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Donald Trump has yet again stated he would pressure FIFA to pull 2026 World Cup matches from a host city based on the local politics, with Boston now being the third such city to face such warnings from the US president. Furthermore, Trump remarked he would contemplate parallel steps against Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games due to potential safety issues.

Official Power and Possible Pressure

Even though Trump does not have official jurisdiction to unilaterally remove either tournament, he is able to exert influence the respective governing bodies in charge of each tournament to move locations.

Setting for Statements

His comments were made during a news conference with Javier Milei, who was at the presidential residence following the revelation of a massive financial assistance for the Latin American nation. Near the close of the meeting, a reporter questioned Trump about a recent “street takeover” in Boston where police officers were assaulted and a police vehicle was set on fire. The correspondent also wondered if the situation could result in the loss of organizing rights for the larger soccer tournament.

“I would take them away,” the former president said regarding the FIFA World Cup matches, planned to be held at the Massachusetts arena. “She is ineffective … they're extremist, and they’re taking over sections of downtown. It's a major statement, isn't it?”

Urban Disturbances and Political Context

Street takeovers, a social media-driven phenomenon where participants congregate on public avenues during nighttime to perform stunts, have emerged as a frequent nuisance in American cities since the coronavirus restrictions. Recent similar events have turned violent in the state, specifically in downtown. Yet, these gatherings are generally not regarded as tied to any distinct ideological group.

“In cases where a city is doing a bad job, and I feel there are security risks, I would call the FIFA head, who is excellent, and suggest it should be shifted to an alternate venue,” the former president said on Tuesday. “And he would do that. He wouldn’t love the action, but he'd agree. Readily, he'd comply.”

Organizational Alignment

The organization's head has made no secret his efforts to be visibly associated with the US leader before the upcoming World Cup, set to be hosted in numerous American venues across the US along with several in Canada and three in Mexico. The organization's leader has been present at various Oval Office functions, had Trump present the FIFA club cup after the championship match, and has even rescheduled his own organization’s congress to accompany Trump on a journey to the Middle East earlier in 2025.

Earlier Warnings

Despite this, Trump from suggesting the removal of soccer events from additional American venues. In late September, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis faced similar criticism, with Trump asserting both cities were “run by far-left extremists who are clueless what they’re doing,” while challenging the security conditions of both areas and suggesting that events could be removed.

FIFA Response

FIFA vice-president Montagliani rejected Trump’s statements when he commented days later at a event in the UK capital.

“This is FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s jurisdiction, FIFA makes such choices,” the vice-president declared. “Respectfully to current world leaders, football is transcends any individual and football will survive their tenure and their policies. That is the beauty of this sport, that it is transcends a single person and beyond any country.”

Olympics Threat

Similarly, Trump’s response to a inquiry about Boston included a parallel statement regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“In case I thought Los Angeles was not adequately ready, I would relocate it to a different city if I had to,” Trump stated. “Regarding that event I’d probably have to secure a varying consent, but we'd do that.”

The permission Trump refers to would need to come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their president, she, was selected to her post in this year and has yet to hold a public appearance with Trump, though she said that she would like a sit-down with Trump at eventually.

Additional Criticism

The former president also condemned California governor Newsom’s response of the California fires, remarking that a parallel incident could cause the relocation of the Games.

“If the governor is uncooperative, we will have to be firm,” he commented.

His message was similarly direct for the Massachusetts city.

“They must address these issues,” he remarked. “That’s all I will say.”