Post by : Rameen Ariff

FIFA has clarified that the governments of 2026 World Cup host cities will determine whether stadiums are safe enough to host matches, following a veiled threat by former U.S. President Donald Trump to move games from Boston.

The announcement came after Trump suggested that games scheduled at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, could be relocated if the city does not "clean up its act." FIFA told Field Level Media on Wednesday that safety and security are the top priorities for all events, but the responsibility lies with local governments.

"Safety and security are obviously the governments' responsibility, and they decide what is in the best interest for public safety," a FIFA spokesperson said in a written statement. "We hope every one of our 16 Host Cities will be ready to successfully host and fulfill all necessary requirements."

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu responded firmly to Trump’s comments, emphasizing that the city is prepared to uphold its values and maintain safety standards. Speaking on Java with Jimmy, Wu noted that contracts governing World Cup matches are binding, and no individual, including the sitting or former President, can override them.

"We are going to continue to be who we are, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be in a conversation in a way that is targeting Boston's values. Ten toes down for Boston," Wu said.

Trump had cited incidents of violence in South Boston, including a police vehicle being set ablaze, as part of his rationale for threatening to relocate matches. He also claimed he could call FIFA President Gianni Infantino to move games from Seattle or San Francisco if he felt conditions were unsafe. Infantino, a known ally of Trump, attended a recent press conference with him in Egypt regarding an Israel-Gaza accord.

The United States, along with Mexico and Canada, will jointly host 78 of 104 matches for the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 next year. While Trump’s remarks singled out Boston, FIFA has not commented on any specific cities or stadiums mentioned.

FIFA’s statement underscores that the organization relies on host governments to ensure all venues meet safety and operational requirements. The dispute highlights the heightened attention and political scrutiny surrounding the upcoming World Cup, one of the largest sporting events in history.

With preparations underway, host cities are now balancing security, logistics, and fan experience to ensure the event proceeds smoothly, while political tensions add an extra layer of complexity to the planning process.

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