diff --git a/src/bootstrap/bootstrap.py b/src/bootstrap/bootstrap.py
index 5b0b89cc2db..6708b27b505 100644
--- a/src/bootstrap/bootstrap.py
+++ b/src/bootstrap/bootstrap.py
@@ -1086,10 +1086,10 @@ def bootstrap(help_triggered):
     else:
         build.set_normal_environment()
 
+    build.build = args.build or build.build_triple()
     build.update_submodules()
 
     # Fetch/build the bootstrap
-    build.build = args.build or build.build_triple()
     build.download_stage0()
     sys.stdout.flush()
     build.ensure_vendored()