Boston's Leader Mayor Wu Addresses Trump's Warning to Relocate World Cup Games from City
Boston's mayor, Michelle Wu, suggested that the city was ready for a confrontation with President Donald Trump over his claim that he could instruct FIFA to relocate World Cup matches from Gillette Stadium, located 22 miles south-west of Boston.
Wu appeared on a local podcast this week to address comments from the Trump administration, which had labeled 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 agreement so that no single person, even the president, can undo it.
Wu added, "We live in a time where for drama, for power, to test limits ... ongoing threats ... are issued at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and comply or be obedient to a hateful agenda."
She 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." Wu concluded by emphasizing her support for the city, declaring, "Ten toes down for Boston."
Trump's Statements and FIFA Role
Earlier this week, Infantino was photographed with President Trump at the international summit in Egypt. Infantino has also been to the Oval Office and given World Cup tournament and Club World Cup trophies to the president as presents.
Earlier, President Trump was asked about unrest in South Boston that included a police vehicle being burned. He responded, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Gianni – the president of FIFA, who's great."
Trump continued, "I would say: 'We should relocate the games' and they would do that. He might not prefer it. But he would do it very easily." Trump also directly criticized Wu, stating, "Boston's mayor is ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're dominating parts of Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"
Previous Threats and Upcoming Tournament Information
Trump has previously suggested that he would have the same conversation with Infantino about moving games 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 June 11 to July 19 next summer.