Boston Mayor Mayor Wu Addresses President Trump's Warning to Move World Cup Games from Boston
The mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, implied that the municipality was ready for a face-off with US President Donald Trump over his assertion that he could instruct FIFA to remove World Cup games from Gillette Stadium, situated approximately 35 kilometers south-west of Boston.
Wu spoke on a local podcast this week to address criticism from the Trump administration, which had described her as "far-left." President 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 single person, even if they live in the White House, can reverse it.
Wu added, "We're in a world where for attention, for power, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are directed at individuals and communities who stand their ground and submit or be obedient to a divisive plan."
She further stated, "We will keep being ourselves, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be part of a discussion that is targeting Boston's values." She finished by stressing her commitment for the Boston, declaring, "Ten toes down for Boston."
Trump's Statements and FIFA's Involvement
Earlier this week, Infantino was seen with Trump at the international summit in Egypt. The FIFA president has also been to the White House and presented World Cup tournament and Club World Cup trophies to Trump as gifts.
Earlier, President Trump was asked about recent disturbances in a Boston neighborhood that included a police vehicle being burned. Trump replied, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Infantino – the head of FIFA, who's great."
Trump continued, "I'd tell him: 'We should relocate the games' and they would do that. He might not prefer it. But he would do it without hesitation." Trump also directly criticized Wu, stating, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's radical left, and they're taking over some areas in Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"
Past Warnings and 2026 World Cup Details
President Trump has made previous comments that he would take the same conversation with Infantino about moving games from other host cities, which are part of the 16 locations across the continent.
The US is co-hosting the 2026 tournament with Mexico and Canada. The 48-team event is planned to be played from 11 June to July 19 next summer.
