Boston's Leader Michelle Wu Counters President Trump's Warning to Relocate FIFA World Cup Games from Boston

Boston's mayor, Michelle Wu, suggested that the municipality was ready for a confrontation with President Donald Trump regarding his claim that he could order FIFA to relocate World Cup tournament matches from the stadium in Foxborough, situated 22 miles south-west of Boston.

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

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

She continued, "We're in a world where for attention, for power, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are directed at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and comply or follow along to a divisive plan."

She further stated, "We will keep being who we are, and that means, sadly, we are going to be in a conversation that is targeting Boston's values." Wu concluded by emphasizing her support for the city, saying, "Fully committed for Boston."

Trump's Statements and FIFA Role

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

On Tuesday, Trump was asked about recent disturbances in a Boston neighborhood that involved a police vehicle being set on fire. Trump responded, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the head of FIFA, 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." Trump also specifically targeted Wu, stating, "Boston's mayor is ineffective ... she's radical left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Previous Warnings and Upcoming Tournament Information

Trump has made previous comments that he would take the same conversation with the FIFA president about moving matches from other host cities, which are among the 16 host cities across North America.

The US is co-hosting the 2026 tournament with Mexico and Canada. The expanded tournament is planned to be played from 11 June to 19 July in the coming year.