🔗 Share this article

The mayor of Boston, Mayor Wu, suggested that the city was ready for a face-off with President Donald Trump over his claim that he could instruct FIFA to relocate World Cup matches from Gillette Stadium, located approximately 35 kilometers south-west of Boston.

Mayor Wu appeared on a local podcast this week to answer criticism from the White House, which had labeled her as "radical left." President Trump had warned that he would contact the head of FIFA if Boston did not "improve its situation."

Much of it is locked down by agreement so that no single person, even if they live in the White House, can undo it.

Wu continued, "We're in a world where for attention, for power, to test limits ... repeated warnings ... are issued at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and comply or follow along to a divisive plan."

She further stated, "We will keep being ourselves, and that means, sadly, we are going to be part of a discussion that is targeting Boston's values." She concluded by emphasizing her commitment for the city, declaring, "Ten toes down for our city."

Trump's Comments and FIFA Role

Earlier this week, Infantino was seen with Trump at the international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. The FIFA president has also visited the White House and given World Cup and Club World Cup trophies to the president as presents.

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

Trump continued, "I'd tell him: 'Let's move into another location' and they would do that. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it very easily." The president also specifically targeted Mayor Wu, stating, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"

Previous Threats and Upcoming Tournament Details

Trump has made previous comments that he would have the similar discussion with Infantino about relocating games from other host cities, which are among the 16 locations across the continent.

The US is joint hosts the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. The 48-team event is planned to be played from 11 June to 19 July in the coming year.