In a dramatic campaign appearance that's sent shockwaves through the sports world, former President Donald Trump has threatened to pull World Cup matches from Boston if he returns to the White House.
The Republican frontrunner declared he would "take them away" from the Massachusetts city during a rally, taking direct aim at local leadership in comments that could jeopardise one of football's biggest international events.
A Political Football
Trump's unexpected intervention places the 2026 FIFA World Cup squarely in the political arena, with the former president suggesting Boston was an unsuitable host city under its current administration.
"We could take them away from Boston," Trump stated unequivocally, though he provided limited specifics about what authority he would use to make such a move or what particular grievances prompted the threat.
International Implications
The comments have immediately raised questions about political interference in major sporting events and could potentially strain relations with FIFA ahead of the tournament, which the United States is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico.
Boston is scheduled to host multiple matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, home to the NFL's New England Patriots, as part of the expanded 48-team tournament.
Local Reaction and Fallout
The threat has sparked immediate backlash from Massachusetts officials and sports organisers, who have invested significant resources in preparing for the global event expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the region.
Political analysts suggest Trump's comments represent an escalation in his willingness to leverage major international events for political points, setting a potentially concerning precedent for future global sports partnerships.
