Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, indicated that the municipality was ready for a face-off with US President Donald Trump regarding his claim that he could instruct FIFA to relocate World Cup matches from Gillette Stadium, situated 22 miles south-west of Boston.
Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast this week to respond to criticism from the White House, which had described her as "radical left." Trump had warned that he would contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "clean up its act."
A great deal of it is locked down by contract so that no one, even the president, can change it.
Wu added, "We live in a time where for attention, for control, to test limits ... repeated warnings ... are issued at individuals and communities who stand their ground and submit or follow along to a divisive plan."
Mayor Wu also remarked, "We are going to continue being who we are, and that means, sadly, we are going to be in a conversation that is challenging Boston's values." Wu concluded by emphasizing her commitment for the city, declaring, "Fully committed for Boston."
Recently, Infantino was photographed alongside Trump at the international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Infantino has also visited the Oval Office and given World Cup tournament and club championship trophies to the president as gifts.
On Tuesday, Trump was questioned on 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 Infantino – the head of FIFA, who's phenomenal."
He continued, "I'd tell him: '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." Trump also specifically targeted Mayor Wu, saying, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's radical left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"
President Trump has made previous comments that he would have the similar discussion with Infantino about moving games from other host cities, which are part of the 16 locations across the continent.
The United States is co-hosting the 2026 tournament with neighboring countries. The expanded tournament is planned to be held from June 11 to 19 July in the coming year.
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