Trump’s World Cup Warning: “Behave or Lose the Games
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy by warning several U.S. host cities that they could lose their matches if they “don’t behave.” The former president claims he is ready to pressure FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino to move games away from cities he believes are unsafe or poorly managed. His comments have sent shockwaves through organizers — and left cities like Boston and Los Angeles on edge.
Trump threatens World Cup host cities
With less than a year until the 2026 World Cup, Donald Trump has issued a bold warning to several host cities. The former president said that if he believes any of them are unsafe or poorly managed, he will personally call FIFA’s Gianni Infantino to have matches relocated.
Boston under pressure: Trump ready to move World Cup games
Boston has become the latest city in Trump’s crosshairs. He claims the city has been “taken over” by unrest and blames local leadership for failing to maintain order. The city is scheduled to host seven World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium, but those plans may now be in jeopardy.
Infantino has Trump’s backing for tough decisions
Trump has cultivated a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a connection he believes gives him leverage. He suggested that Infantino would comply if he demanded changes, claiming: “He wouldn’t love to do it, but he’d do it very easily.”
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“Radical left” mayor under fire for city unrest
Trump took aim at Boston’s Democratic mayor, Michelle Wu, calling her “radical left” and accusing her of mismanaging the city. His comments followed reports of violent street incidents and attacks on police officers, which he says prove Boston is too unstable to host an event of this scale.
Trump: “If a city isn’t safe, we’ll move the matches – simple”
Speaking at the White House alongside Argentine President Javier Milei, Trump doubled down on his threats. He said that if local leaders fail to secure their cities, FIFA should move the games elsewhere — and he would make sure that happens.
Los Angeles could be next on Trump’s list
The former president also mentioned Los Angeles, warning that the city might face similar scrutiny ahead of both the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. “If I thought L.A. wasn’t prepared properly, I’d move it to another location,” he declared.
FIFA and Trump – an unlikely partnership before 2026
While FIFA traditionally operates independently of political pressure, Trump’s confidence in his influence is striking. His remarks suggest a willingness to directly interfere in the organization’s decisions, something rarely seen in global sports politics.
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Can Trump really influence where the World Cup matches are played?
For now, Trump’s threats remain rhetoric — but with 78 of 104 games set to be hosted in the United States, his words carry weight. Whether FIFA would actually bow to political pressure is uncertain, but the warning has certainly put several host cities on edge.
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