Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Counters Trump's Threat to Relocate FIFA World Cup Games from Boston

Boston's mayor, Michelle Wu, suggested that the municipality was prepared for a face-off with President Donald Trump concerning his claim that he could order FIFA to remove World Cup matches from Gillette Stadium, located 22 miles southwest of Boston.

Wu spoke on a local podcast this week to address criticism from the Trump administration, which had labeled her as "far-left." Trump had warned that he would call FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "clean up its act."

Much of it is locked down by agreement so that no one, even the president, can change it.

She added, "We're in a world where for drama, for control, to test limits ... repeated warnings ... are directed at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and submit or be obedient to a hateful agenda."

Mayor Wu 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 what Boston stands for." She concluded by emphasizing her support for the city, saying, "Ten toes down for Boston."

Trump's Comments and FIFA's Role

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

On Tuesday, Trump was asked about recent disturbances in a Boston neighborhood that included a police vehicle being burned. Trump replied, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Infantino – the president of the organization, who's phenomenal."

Trump 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." Trump also specifically targeted Mayor Wu, saying, "Boston's mayor is ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're taking over some areas in Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"

Past Warnings and Upcoming Tournament Details

President Trump has made previous comments that he would take the similar discussion with the FIFA president about relocating games from Seattle and San Francisco, which are part of the 16 locations across the continent.

The US is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with neighboring countries. The 48-team event is planned to be played from 11 June to 19 July next summer.