🔗 Share this article

Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, indicated that the city was ready for a dispute with President Donald Trump over his assertion that he could instruct FIFA to remove World Cup games from the stadium in Foxborough, located 22 miles southwest of the city.

Mayor Wu spoke on a local podcast recently to respond to criticism from the White House, which had labeled her as "far-left." Trump had threatened that he would call the head of FIFA if Boston did not "improve its situation."

A great deal of it is secured by agreement so that no one, even the president, can change it.

She added, "We're in a world where for drama, for control, to test limits ... ongoing threats ... are directed at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and submit or follow along to a divisive plan."

She further stated, "We will keep 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 finished by stressing her commitment for the Boston, declaring, "Fully committed for Boston."

Trump's Comments and FIFA's Involvement

Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was photographed with President Trump at the international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Infantino has also visited the White House and given World Cup tournament and club championship awards to Trump as gifts.

On Tuesday, President Trump was asked about recent disturbances in a Boston neighborhood that included a police vehicle being set on fire. Trump responded, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Infantino – the head 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, "Boston's mayor is not good ... 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 Details

Trump has previously suggested that he would take the similar discussion with the FIFA president about relocating matches from other host cities, which are among the 16 host cities across North America.

The United States is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. The 48-team event is scheduled to be played from June 11 to 19 July next summer.