🔗 Share this article

Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, implied that the city was ready for a dispute with US President Donald Trump concerning his claim that he could instruct FIFA to relocate World Cup tournament games from the stadium in Foxborough, located 22 miles southwest of the city.

Mayor Wu appeared on a Boston-based podcast recently to address comments from the White House, which had labeled her as "radical left." Trump had warned that he would contact the head of FIFA if Boston did not "address its issues."

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

Wu added, "We live in a time where for attention, for power, to test limits ... ongoing threats ... are issued at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and comply or follow along to a hateful agenda."

She also remarked, "We will keep being who we are, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be part of a discussion that is challenging Boston's values." She concluded by emphasizing her commitment for the Boston, saying, "Fully committed for Boston."

The President's Statements and FIFA's Involvement

Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was photographed with President Trump at the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Infantino has also been to the Oval Office and given World Cup and Club World Cup awards to the president as presents.

Earlier, President Trump was questioned on recent disturbances in South Boston that included a police vehicle being set on fire. He responded, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Gianni – the president of FIFA, who's phenomenal."

He added, "I would say: 'Let's move into another location' and they would comply. He might not prefer it. But he would do it very easily." Trump also directly criticized Mayor Wu, stating, "Their mayor is not good ... she's radical left, and they're dominating some areas in Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Past Threats and Upcoming Tournament Details

President Trump has previously suggested that he would take the similar discussion with Infantino about moving games from other host cities, which are among the 16 locations across North America.

The United States is joint hosts the 2026 tournament with Mexico and Canada. The 48-team event is scheduled to be held from 11 June to 19 July next summer.