Pochettino Stresses Competition for USMNT Roster Ahead of 2026 World Cup
By Associated Press
Date: October 14, 2025, 04:59 PM ET
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump recently indicated that he might consider relocating World Cup matches originally scheduled for Boston next year, citing concerns over recent unrest in the area.
Seven matches are planned to take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, located roughly 30 miles from Boston. This venue, home to the New England Patriots, is part of the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. During a conversation about Boston’s Mayor Michelle Wu, whom Trump described as “intelligent” yet “radical left,” he remarked, “We could take them away.” Despite expressing his fondness for Boston and acknowledging that tickets are sold out, he raised concerns about the city’s leadership.
Trump implied that certain areas of Boston are under distress, though he did not specify his claims. “We could get them back in about two seconds,” he added.
In response, Wu’s office released a statement asserting, “Boston is honored and excited to host World Cup matches, and we look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to our beautiful city, the cradle of liberty and city of champions.”
Trump’s remarks occurred during a meeting with the President of Argentina, and their context remained ambiguous. Earlier this month, a pro-Palestinian protest in Boston turned chaotic, resulting in several arrests and injuries to four police officers.
The President had hinted at the potential to declare cities “not safe” for the World Cup tournament, out of 104 matches, and to modify a hosting arrangement confirmed by FIFA in 2022. This arrangement encompasses stadiums in prominent cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
It’s important to note that the final decision on World Cup host cities lies with FIFA. The agreed-upon 11 U.S. cities, along with three in Mexico and two in Canada, face considerable logistical and legal complications if modifications are necessary with only eight months remaining before the June 11 commencement.
“It’s FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s jurisdiction; FIFA makes those decisions,” remarked Victor Montagliani, the vice president of the soccer governing body, during a recent sports business conference in London.
Nevertheless, Trump stated, “If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there are unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni — the head of FIFA who’s phenomenal — and I would say, ‘Let’s move to another location,’ and they would do that.” He was referring to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, someone he described as a close ally.
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