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Ex-president Trump has repeatedly declared he would urge FIFA to remove global soccer tournament games from a host city based on the local political climate, with Boston becoming the most recent such city to face such warnings from the White House. Moreover, Trump indicated he would consider comparable measures against Southern California for the upcoming Olympic Games due to perceived security concerns.

Jurisdictional Limits and Possible Pressure

While Trump holds no official jurisdiction to unilaterally remove either tournament, he can apply pressure the respective governing bodies managing each competition to move locations.

Background of Comments

The comments were made during a media briefing with Argentina's leader Milei, who was visiting the White House following the disclosure of a multibillion-dollar bailout for the Argentine economy. At the conclusion of the event, a journalist questioned Trump about a latest public disturbance in the city where authorities were assaulted and a cruiser was set on fire. The journalist also asked if such events could cause the loss of hosting duties for the larger World Cup.

“I would take them away,” the former president stated concerning the FIFA World Cup games, scheduled to be held at the Foxborough venue. “Their mayor is not good … she is radical left, and they are taking over areas of downtown. That’s a significant claim, don't you think?”

Urban Disturbances and Public Safety Concerns

Unauthorized gatherings, a social media-driven occurrence where large crowds gather on public avenues late at night to perform stunts, have been a frequent problem in metropolitan centers since the lockdown shutdowns. Latest such gatherings have turned violent in the state, including the city. Nevertheless, these occurrences are typically not seen as associated with any particular ideological group.

“In cases where a city is failing, and I perceive exist unsafe conditions, I would call the FIFA head, who is phenomenal, and tell him we should relocate it to an alternate venue,” Trump said publicly. “He will do that. He might not prefer to do it, but he’d do it. Very easily, he'd comply.”

Organizational Alignment

The organization's head has been open his attempts to be visibly associated with the US leader before the 2026 event, scheduled to be hosted in multiple US locations across the US along with two in Canada and three in the southern neighbor. The organization's leader has appeared at several presidential gatherings, had Trump deliver the Club World Cup trophy after the concluding game, and has even rescheduled his FIFA's internal meeting to travel with Trump on a journey to the Middle East earlier in 2025.

Previous Threats

Despite this, Trump from suggesting the cancellation of World Cup matches from different locations. On September 25, Seattle and the Bay Area metropolis came under similar criticism, with Trump stating both cities were “run by far-left extremists who lack understanding what they’re doing,” while criticizing the public safety of both cities and suggesting that matches could be shifted.

FIFA Response

The organization's deputy Montagliani dismissed Trump’s statements when he responded afterward at a conference in England.

“It is FIFA’s tournament, under our authority, the organization determines these matters,” he declared. “Respectfully to national heads, the sport is bigger than them and soccer will endure their tenure and their policies. It's the strength of our game, that it is more significant than one leader and bigger than any country.”

Olympics Threat

During the event, Trump’s response to a question about the Massachusetts city extended to a comparable warning regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“In case I thought Los Angeles was not going to be adequately ready, I would move it to another location if necessary,” Trump stated. “For the Olympics I’d probably have to get a varying permission, but we'd proceed.”

Official consent Trump alluded to would need to come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their leader, Kirsty Coventry, was elected to her role in March and has not yet appear together with Trump, though she said that she desires a discussion with the US figure at eventually.

Other Remarks

The former president also questioned Gavin Newsom’s management of this year’s LA wildfires, stating that a parallel incident could cause the relocation of the Games.

“If he refuses to cooperate, we will have to be firm,” Trump commented.

His message was just as unambiguous for the Massachusetts city.

“The city better address these issues,” Trump stated. “It's I can say.”