🔗 Share this article

The mayor of Boston, Mayor Wu, indicated that the municipality was prepared for a confrontation with US President Donald Trump over his claim that he could order FIFA to remove World Cup games from Gillette Stadium, located approximately 35 kilometers south-west of the city.

Wu appeared on a local podcast this week to address criticism from the White House, which had described her as "far-left." Trump had threatened that he would contact the head of FIFA if Boston did not "improve its situation."

Much of it is secured by agreement so that no one, even if they live in the White House, can reverse it.

Wu continued, "We live in a time where for attention, for power, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are directed at people and cities who refuse to back down and submit or be obedient to a hateful agenda."

Mayor Wu further stated, "We are going to continue being who we are, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be in a conversation that is targeting Boston's values." She concluded by stressing her support for the city, declaring, "Fully committed for our city."

The President's Statements and FIFA's Involvement

Earlier this week, Infantino was photographed alongside Trump at the Gaza summit in Egypt. Infantino has also visited the White House and presented World Cup tournament and Club World Cup trophies to the president as presents.

On Tuesday, Trump was asked about recent disturbances in South Boston that included a police vehicle being burned. Trump replied, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Infantino – the president of FIFA, who's phenomenal."

He continued, "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 very easily." The president 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 pretty big statement, right?"

Past Threats and Upcoming Tournament Details

Trump has previously suggested that he would have the similar discussion with the FIFA president about moving matches from Seattle and San Francisco, which are part of the 16 locations across North America.

The US is co-hosting the 2026 tournament with neighboring countries. The 48-team event is scheduled to be held from June 11 to July 19 in the coming year.