Boston Mayor Mayor Wu Responds to Trump's Threat to Move World Cup Matches from City

The mayor of Boston, Mayor Wu, suggested that the city was ready for a dispute with US President Donald Trump concerning his assertion that he could instruct FIFA to relocate World Cup matches from the stadium in Foxborough, situated approximately 35 kilometers southwest of the city.

Wu appeared on a Boston-based podcast this week to address criticism from the Trump administration, which had described her as "far-left." President Trump had warned that he would contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "improve its situation."

A great deal of it is locked down by contract so that no single person, even if they live in the White House, can undo it.

She added, "We're in a world where for drama, for control, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are directed at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and comply or follow along to a hateful agenda."

She further stated, "We will keep being ourselves, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be in a conversation that is challenging what Boston stands for." Wu finished by stressing her commitment for the city, declaring, "Ten toes down for our city."

Trump's Statements and FIFA's Involvement

Recently, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was photographed with Trump at the Gaza summit in Egypt. The FIFA president has also visited the White House and presented World Cup tournament and club championship awards to the president as presents.

On Tuesday, Trump was asked about unrest in a Boston neighborhood that involved a police vehicle being set on fire. Trump replied, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Infantino – the president of FIFA, who's great."

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

Previous Warnings and Upcoming Tournament Details

President Trump has made previous comments that he would have the similar discussion with Infantino about moving matches from Seattle and San Francisco, which are among the 16 locations across North America.

The US is co-hosting the 2026 tournament with Mexico and Canada. The 48-team event is scheduled to be played from June 11 to 19 July next summer.