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Donald Trump has yet again stated he would pressure FIFA to pull 2026 World Cup matches from a venue based on the local governance, with Massachusetts emerging as the third targeted location to face such statements from the US president. Furthermore, Trump suggested he would contemplate comparable measures against Southern California for the 2028 Summer Games due to perceived security concerns.

Jurisdictional Limits and Potential Influence

Although Trump lacks formal power to personally cancel either event, he is able to apply pressure the respective governing bodies managing each competition to move host cities.

Background of Comments

His statements were made during a media briefing with Argentina's leader Milei, who was at the presidential residence following the announcement of a multibillion-dollar rescue package for the Argentine nation. Toward the conclusion of the event, a media member inquired Trump about a recent public disturbance in the city where authorities were targeted and a patrol car was ignited. The correspondent also asked if these incidents could result in the removal of hosting duties for the 48-team soccer tournament.

“I would take them away,” the former president stated about the soccer matches, scheduled to be hosted at the Massachusetts arena. “The city's leader is not good … she is radical left, and they’re dominating parts of downtown. It's a major claim, don't you think?”

Urban Disturbances and Ideological Perceptions

Unauthorized gatherings, a digitally organized trend where participants gather on city streets late at night to engage in dangerous driving, have been a repeated issue in US urban areas since the Covid-19 pandemic closures. Latest similar events have escalated into violence in the region, including downtown. However, these events are usually not regarded as linked to any particular political ideology.

“In cases where someone is performing poorly, and I believe there are unsafe conditions, I'd call the FIFA head, who is excellent, and say we should relocate it to a different city,” he stated publicly. “And he would do that. He might not prefer doing it, but he'd agree. Readily, he’d do it.”

Organizational Alignment

FIFA President has been open his efforts to be visibly associated with Trump before the 2026 event, planned to be staged in numerous American venues across the America along with two in Canada and three in Mexico. The organization's leader has appeared at various presidential functions, had Trump deliver the club tournament trophy after the concluding game, and has even delayed his FIFA's internal meeting to travel with Trump on a visit to the Middle East earlier in 2025.

Previous Threats

Despite this, Trump from suggesting the removal of FIFA World Cup events from other US host cities. On September 25, the Washington city and San Francisco were parallel comments, with Trump stating both urban centers were “governed by ideological activists who are clueless what they are doing,” while criticizing the safety level of both cities and suggesting that matches could be relocated.

Official Rebuttal

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

“It’s our competition, our responsibility, FIFA makes these matters,” the vice-president said. “Politely to national heads, the sport is bigger than political figures and soccer will outlast their regime and their policies. That is the strength of football, that it is transcends any individual and beyond any country.”

LA Games Warning

On Tuesday, Trump’s answer to a inquiry about the Massachusetts city extended to a parallel statement regarding the LA Olympic event.

“If I thought Los Angeles was not sufficiently organized, I'd shift it to another location if I had to,” he remarked. “On that one I’d probably have to get a varying approval, but we'd take that action.”

Official consent Trump mentioned would have to come via the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The head, she, was elected to her post in this year and has yet to hold a public appearance with the former president, although she indicated that she would like a meeting with him at some point.

Other Remarks

He also condemned California governor Newsom’s response of this year’s blazes, saying that a similar situation could lead to the relocation of the event.

“If the governor is uncooperative, we are going to have to be very tough,” the former president commented.

His statement was equally direct for the Massachusetts city.

“They better improve their situation,” he remarked. “That’s all my message.”