Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Counters Trump's Warning to Move FIFA World Cup Matches from City

Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, suggested that the municipality was ready for a dispute with US President Donald Trump concerning his assertion that he could instruct FIFA to relocate World Cup games from Gillette Stadium, located approximately 35 kilometers south-west of Boston.

Wu appeared on a Boston-based podcast recently to answer comments from the White House, which had described her as "radical left." President Trump had warned that he would contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "improve its situation."

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

She continued, "We live in a time where for drama, for control, for pushing the boundaries ... repeated warnings ... are directed at people and cities who refuse to back down and submit or be obedient to a divisive plan."

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

The President's Comments and FIFA's Role

Recently, Infantino was photographed with Trump at the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. The FIFA president has also been to the White House and given World Cup and Club World Cup awards to Trump as gifts.

Earlier, Trump was asked about recent disturbances in South Boston that involved a police car being burned. Trump replied, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the president of the organization, who's great."

He continued, "I would say: 'We should relocate the games' and they would comply. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it without hesitation." The president also specifically targeted Wu, stating, "Their mayor is not good ... she's far-left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Past Threats and 2026 World Cup Information

Trump has made previous comments that he would take the same conversation with the FIFA president about moving matches from Seattle and San Francisco, which are among the 16 locations across North America.

The US is joint hosts the 2026 World Cup with neighboring countries. The expanded tournament is planned to be held from 11 June to July 19 in the coming year.