🔗 Share this article

The mayor of Boston, Mayor Wu, suggested that the city was prepared for a face-off with President Donald Trump over his claim that he could instruct FIFA to relocate World Cup tournament matches from Gillette Stadium, located 22 miles south-west of the city.

Wu spoke on a local podcast this week to respond to criticism from the Trump administration, which had described her as "radical left." President Trump had threatened that he would contact the head of FIFA if Boston did not "improve its situation."

A great deal of it is secured by contract so that no single person, even the president, can reverse it.

She continued, "We're in a world where for attention, for control, to test limits ... repeated warnings ... are directed at people and cities who refuse to back down and comply or follow along to a hateful agenda."

She further stated, "We are going to continue being ourselves, and that means, sadly, we are going to be in a conversation that is targeting what Boston stands for." She concluded by stressing her support for the city, declaring, "Fully committed for Boston."

Trump's Statements and FIFA Role

Earlier this week, Infantino was seen alongside President Trump at the international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Infantino has also visited the White House and presented World Cup and club championship awards to the president as presents.

Earlier, Trump was questioned on unrest in a Boston neighborhood that involved a police car being set on fire. He replied, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Infantino – the president of the organization, who's phenomenal."

Trump added, "I would say: 'Let's move into another location' and they would comply. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it without hesitation." The president also directly criticized Mayor Wu, stating, "Boston's mayor is not good ... she's far-left, and they're dominating parts of Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"

Past Threats and 2026 World Cup Details

President Trump has previously suggested that he would have the same conversation with the FIFA president about relocating games from other host cities, which are part of the 16 host cities across North America.

The United States is co-hosting the 2026 tournament with Mexico and Canada. The expanded tournament is planned to be held from 11 June to July 19 next summer.