Boston Mayor Mayor Wu Addresses Trump's Threat to Relocate World Cup Matches from City
Boston's mayor, Michelle Wu, indicated that the municipality was prepared for a dispute with President Donald Trump concerning his claim that he could order FIFA to remove World Cup tournament games from Gillette Stadium, located 22 miles southwest of Boston.
Wu spoke on a local podcast this week to respond to criticism from the White House, which had described her as "far-left." President Trump had threatened that he would call the head of FIFA if Boston did not "address its issues."
A great deal of it is secured by contract so that no single person, even the president, can change it.
She continued, "We're in a world where for drama, for control, to test limits ... ongoing threats ... are issued at people and cities who stand their ground 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 part of a discussion that is challenging Boston's values." Wu concluded by emphasizing her support for the city, saying, "Ten toes down for Boston."
The President's Comments and FIFA Involvement
Earlier this week, Infantino was photographed alongside President Trump at the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. The FIFA president has also been to the White House and given World Cup tournament and Club World Cup trophies to the president as gifts.
On Tuesday, Trump was asked about unrest in South Boston that involved a police car 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 the organization, who's great."
Trump continued, "I would say: 'We should relocate the games' and they would comply. He might not prefer it. But he would do it without hesitation." Trump also specifically targeted Mayor Wu, stating, "Boston's mayor is not good ... she's radical left, and they're taking over some areas in Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"
Previous Threats and 2026 World Cup Details
President Trump has made previous comments that he would take 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 joint hosts the 2026 tournament with neighboring countries. The expanded tournament is planned to be held from June 11 to July 19 next summer.
