Boston's Leader Michelle Wu Counters Trump's Threat to Move World Cup Games from City

Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, suggested that the city was prepared for a dispute with US President Donald Trump concerning his claim that he could instruct FIFA to remove World Cup tournament games from Gillette Stadium, located 22 miles southwest of Boston.

Mayor Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast recently to answer comments from the Trump administration, which had labeled her as "radical left." President Trump had warned 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 the president, can undo it.

She added, "We live in a time where for drama, for control, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are directed at people and cities who refuse to back down and submit or follow along to a divisive plan."

Mayor Wu further stated, "We will keep being ourselves, and that means, sadly, we are going to be part of a discussion that is challenging what Boston stands for." She finished by stressing her support for the city, declaring, "Fully committed for Boston."

Trump's Comments and FIFA's Role

Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen with Trump at the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. The FIFA president has also visited the White House and given World Cup and club championship awards to the president as presents.

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

Trump added, "I'd tell him: 'We should relocate the games' and they would comply. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it very easily." The president also directly criticized Wu, saying, "Boston's mayor is ineffective ... she's radical left, and they're dominating parts of Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Previous Threats and Upcoming Tournament Information

Trump has previously suggested that he would have the same conversation with the FIFA president about moving games from other host cities, which are among the 16 host cities across North America.

The United States is joint hosts the 2026 tournament with neighboring countries. The 48-team event is scheduled to be played from 11 June to July 19 next summer.