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

Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast recently to address comments from the Trump administration, which had labeled her as "radical left." Trump had threatened that he would call FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "address its issues."

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

She added, "We live in a time where for attention, for control, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are directed at individuals and communities who stand their ground and comply or be obedient to a divisive plan."

She further stated, "We will keep being ourselves, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be part of a discussion that is targeting Boston's values." Wu finished by stressing her support for the city, saying, "Fully committed for Boston."

The President's Comments and FIFA's Role

Recently, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen alongside Trump at the international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Infantino has also visited the White House and given World Cup tournament and club championship trophies to the president as gifts.

Earlier, Trump was asked about recent disturbances in South Boston that involved a police car being burned. He replied, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the head of the organization, who's phenomenal."

He continued, "I would say: 'Let's move into another location' and they would do that. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it without hesitation." The president also specifically targeted Wu, saying, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're dominating some areas in Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"

Past Threats and 2026 World Cup Details

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 part of the 16 host cities across the continent.

The United States is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. The expanded tournament is planned to be held from 11 June to July 19 next summer.