🔗 Share this article

The mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, indicated that the city was prepared for a dispute with US President Donald Trump concerning his claim that he could order FIFA to relocate World Cup tournament games from Gillette Stadium, situated 22 miles southwest of Boston.

Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast this week to respond to criticism from the White House, which had described her as "far-left." President Trump had threatened that he would contact the head of FIFA if Boston did not "clean up its act."

A great deal of it is secured by contract so that no single person, even if they live in the White House, can reverse it.

Wu added, "We're in a world where for drama, for control, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are directed at individuals and communities who stand their ground and submit or follow along to a divisive plan."

She also remarked, "We are going to continue being who we are, and that means, sadly, we are going to be part of a discussion that is targeting what Boston stands for." Wu concluded by emphasizing her support for the city, declaring, "Ten toes down for Boston."

Trump's Statements and FIFA Involvement

Recently, Infantino was photographed alongside Trump at the international summit in Egypt. Infantino has also been to the Oval Office and presented World Cup and Club World Cup awards to Trump as gifts.

On Tuesday, President Trump was asked about recent disturbances in a Boston neighborhood that included a police vehicle being burned. Trump responded, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Infantino – the head of the organization, who's great."

Trump continued, "I would say: 'We should relocate the games' and they would do that. He might not prefer it. But he would do it very easily." The president also specifically targeted Wu, saying, "Boston's mayor is ineffective ... she's radical left, and they're dominating some areas in Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"

Past Threats and 2026 World Cup Information

President Trump has previously suggested that he would have the similar discussion with the FIFA president about moving matches from other host cities, which are among the 16 host cities across the continent.

The United States is joint hosts the 2026 World Cup with neighboring countries. The 48-team event is planned to be held from 11 June to July 19 next summer.