NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
President Donald Trump is confident in the safety of his host cities months before 2026 FIFA World Cup will be in the spotlight, telling reporters ahead of the draw in Washington, D.C., on Friday that the government will “take care” of any problems if necessary.
“No, I don’t want to do this, but I will tell you, if they really have a problem by the time we get there, we will take care of that problem.” Trump said after arriving at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. “We can solve this problem. I've proven it in Washington and everywhere we've been, so we can solve this problem very easily.”
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino speak as they arrive at the Kennedy Center for the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw. The event took place in Washington, DC on December 5, 2025. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo)
“So if they have a problem, we hope they will let us know and we will resolve any issue.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS RESOURCES ON FOXNEWS.COM”
Trump's assertion came weeks after he threatened to move games scheduled in the Boston area while discussing an incident in the city in October in which a group of people took over a city street in a violent display.
“We can take them. I love the people of Boston. And I know the games are sold out, but the mayor is bad. There are worse people than her. At least she's smart. You know, some have extremely low IQs. That bothers me more. She's smart, but she's a radical leftist,” Trump said at the time about Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
The President added that he could approach FIFA President Gianni Infantino with a request to carry out the move if he deems it necessary.
President Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, attend the red carpet before the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The event took place in Washington, DC on December 5, 2025. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
“If we think there's any reason they're not doing their job, whether it's Boston or somewhere else, we'll take those World Cup games and move them somewhere else.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Wu said the city 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 freedom and the city of champions.”
FIFA representative later told ESPN Governments have the final say in deciding “what is in the best interest of public safety.”
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino speak to the media as they arrive at the Kennedy Center for the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw. The event took place in Washington, DC on December 5, 2025. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Safety and security are the top priorities at all FIFA events around the world,” the spokesperson said. “Safety and security are obviously the responsibility of governments and they decide what is in the best interest of public safety.
“We hope that each of our 16 host cities will be prepared to successfully host and meet all necessary requirements.”
Boston is currently set to host seven matches when the World Cup takes place in North America next summer. The list includes five group stage games, one round of 16 match and the first quarter-final, which will take place on July 9.
Fox News Digital's Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital sports lighting by Xand subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
