Donald Trump has something to say about that. He even has the power to move FIFA World Cup 2026 games planned for suburban Boston. This announcement comes even as tensions have continued to brew over safety and governance in the city during the term of Mayor Michelle Wu. The tournament dates are currently set for June 11 to July 11, 2026. It will include games played in 11 American cities, three in Mexico and two in Canada, with Boston’s Gillette Stadium home to seven of those matches.
Trump’s comments have reignited debate over public safety and local government policies. The former president has previously threatened to relocate matches from other cities, including San Francisco and Seattle, citing concerns over safety. As the host city for several important matches—including a quarterfinal on July 9, 2026—Boston officials are defending the city against these claims.
Economic Impact of the World Cup
The upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 will be an economic boon for the greater Boston area. Supporters are banking on expert estimates it could bring in at least $1.1 billion. Local businesses are preparing for a substantial influx of visitors, with over two million expected throughout the tournament’s 39-day duration.
The Giant Expo alone is projected to directly generate 5,046 jobs. It will provide over $60 million in additional tax revenue to support the region’s needs, as well. These numbers underscore the fact that the World Cup is much more than a sports tournament. It’s one of the best ways to use federal money as a powerful catalyst for local economic growth.
In addition to all of these potential benefits, the local leaders point to the need to host the tournament shrewdly. Mayor Michelle Wu has said that she was confident that Boston could fulfill the needs of hosting a highly publicized event.
Mayor Wu Responds to Trump’s Threat
In response to Trump’s threats, Mayor Michelle Wu has firmly stated that there is no concrete basis for the claims regarding Boston’s safety. She wanted to convey that the city has worked hard to lower their gun violence numbers and keep the city safe. According to Wu, “There’s no ability to take away the World Cup games,” reflecting her determination to keep the tournament in Boston.
Wu pointed out that safety and security have unjustly been priorities for the city. She noted that Boston was on track to achieve a historic low in homicides for 2024 so far. The city wants to ensure that residents and visitors feel safe and secure in their environment.
“There’s no real threat when it comes to saying cities are so unsafe that they can’t host the games.” – Michelle Wu
FIFA has been quick to echo this sentiment, and has continued to assert its commitment to guaranteeing safety at all events. The organization stated, “safety and security are the top priorities at all FIFA events worldwide.” FIFA was explicit in stating that FIFA relies on the judgment of local governments to take actions that are in the best interest of public safety.
Trump’s Position on Boston’s Leadership
Trump’s comments regarding Boston’s leadership have generated a lot of outrage and commentary. He told the Boston Herald that Mayor Wu was “not good.” If the situation was unsafe, he said, he’d recommend moving.
“I love the people of Boston, and I know the games are sold out. But your mayor is not good.” – Trump
He made clear, though, that he would be in touch with FIFA’s leadership should he find safety concerns enough to merit shifting matches elsewhere. Trump’s claim is a true testament to his continued strategy of using public events as stages for campaign speech.
“If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there’s unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the head of FIFA who’s phenomenal – and I would say, ‘Let’s move into another location,’ and they would do that.” – Trump
His comments have already raised a firestorm. They serve to illuminate the larger dynamics about pageantry of major sporting events and how they are contingent upon local self governance.
