In Foxboro, Massachusetts, WPRI reports that the local leaders are pushing back against President Donald Trump’s assertion from Tuesday regarding the potential removal of World Cup matches from the area due to safety concerns.
Boston is set to play a significant role as a host city for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, with a total of seven matches scheduled at the famous Gillette Stadium in Foxboro.
During his remarks, Trump referred to recent “street takeovers” in various cities across Massachusetts, claiming they contributed to his feelings of concern.
Expressing his affections for Boston, Trump took a jab at the city’s mayor, Michelle Wu, saying, “She’s not good” and believes she is negatively impacting the city. He voiced, “If someone is not doing their job well and I perceive unsafe conditions, I’ll reach out to Gianni, head of FIFA. He’s brilliant, and I’d suggest moving the games elsewhere. And believe me, he could do it effortlessly, even if it’s not his ideal choice. Now is the moment to consider it.”
Adding his own two cents, Trump declared, “Boston better clean up their act—plain and simple.”
In response, Mayor Wu released a statement expressing excitement for Boston’s role as a World Cup host without directly naming Trump.
She stated, “Boston is thrilled and honored to host World Cup matches, and we can’t wait to welcome attendees from across the globe to our historic and vibrant city, which stands for liberty and champions’ spirit.”
Massachusetts State Senator Paul Feeney interacted on social media, directly addressing Trump’s comments. He tweeted, “Absurd but not really alarming. The greatest risk #CaptainChaos could take is moving these games to an unprepared city. Public safety measures in Foxborough, Boston, and Massachusetts have been in coordination for years alongside federal partners. More politically petty nonsense from DJT over common sense.”
It’s important to note that Trump doesn’t have the final say regarding the World Cup venues. Earlier this month at a sports business conference in London, FIFA’s vice president Victor Montagliani reminded everyone, “This is FIFA’s tournament, and FIFA handles all location decisions.”
The cities selected as hosts in the United States, along with additional locations in Mexico and Canada, have contracts with FIFA that entail major logistical and legal ramifications if any changes need to be made just eight months before the kickoff on June 11.
Interestingly, Trump also hinted at possibly shifting the Summer Olympics from Los Angeles, slated for July 2028. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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