Trump Moves 2026 World Cup Match From Boston If It Continues To Collapse

JAKARTA - United States President Donald Trump will move the 2026 World Cup match from Boston if riots in the city continue.

"We can withdraw it again," Trump was quoted as saying by ESPN on Wednesday, October 15 amid rising political tensions in several US cities hosting the 2026 World Cup.

There are seven 2026 World Cup matches scheduled to take place at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts.

I love the people of Boston, and I know the match ticket has been sold out. But your mayor is not good," he said alluding to Michelle Wu, the mayor of Boston, who came from the Democratic Party.

Gillette Stadium, headquarters of the NFL club New England Patriots, is about 30 miles from Boston and is one of 11 locations in the United States to host the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada.

However, Trump's threats sparked renewed concerns regarding the stability of the planned tournament that FIFA has confirmed since 2022.

Trump accused some of the parties occupying parts of the Boston area, but did not reveal further.

Responding to the statement, the Boston Mayor's office released an official statement.

"Boston is honored and excited to host the World Cup games. We look forward to welcoming fans from all over the world to our beautiful city, the city of freedom and the champions," said a statement from Michelle Wu's office.

Trump's comments came amid his meeting with the President of Argentina, but were not specifically explained the context of the threat.

In recent weeks, Boston has indeed been hit by chaos when pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the Boston Common area ended in chaos and left four policemen injured and several demonstrators arrested.

Trump has also hinted at the possibility of establishing several cities as unsafe categories to host the World Cup, as well as changing the host's plans that FIFA has compiled.

However, the world football institute emphasized that the decision to organize remains under the jurisdiction of FIFA.

"It's a FIFA tournament, under FIFA jurisdiction, the full decision rests with FIFA," said FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani in a separate place.

However, Trump insisted he could still influence the decision.

"If someone works badly, and I feel there is an unsafe condition, I will call Gianni, the FIFA boss, and I will say, 'Move to another location,' and they will obey," Trump said, referring to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.