Boston's Leader Michelle Wu Responds to President Trump's Threat to Move World Cup Matches from Boston

Boston's mayor, Michelle Wu, implied that the city was ready for a face-off with President Donald Trump concerning his claim that he could instruct FIFA to remove World Cup games from Gillette Stadium, situated 22 miles south-west of the city.

Mayor Wu spoke on a local podcast this week to address comments from the Trump administration, which had described her as "radical left." Trump had threatened that he would call the head of FIFA if Boston did not "clean up its act."

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

She added, "We live in a time where for drama, for power, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are directed at people and cities who refuse to back down and comply or be obedient to a hateful agenda."

She further stated, "We are going to continue being ourselves, and that means, sadly, we are going to be in a conversation that is targeting what Boston stands for." Wu finished by stressing her support for the Boston, saying, "Ten toes down for our city."

The President's Comments and FIFA's Involvement

Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen alongside President Trump at the Gaza summit in Egypt. The FIFA president has also visited the White House and given World Cup tournament and club championship trophies to the president as presents.

On Tuesday, Trump was questioned on unrest in South Boston that included a police vehicle being set on fire. Trump responded, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the head of FIFA, who's phenomenal."

Trump continued, "I'd tell him: 'We should relocate the games' and they would comply. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it without hesitation." The president also directly criticized Wu, stating, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're dominating parts of Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Previous Warnings and 2026 World Cup Details

Trump has made previous comments that he would have the similar discussion with Infantino about moving games from other host cities, which are among the 16 host cities across North America.

The US is joint hosts the 2026 World Cup with neighboring countries. The 48-team event is planned to be held from 11 June to 19 July in the coming year.