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The mayor of Boston, Mayor Wu, indicated that the city was ready for a face-off with President Donald Trump regarding his claim that he could instruct FIFA to remove World Cup tournament matches from Gillette Stadium, located approximately 35 kilometers south-west of the city.

Mayor Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast recently to answer criticism from the Trump administration, which had labeled her as "far-left." Trump had warned that he would call FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "improve its situation."

Much of it is secured by contract so that no single person, even the president, can reverse it.

Wu continued, "We're in a world where for drama, for power, for pushing the boundaries ... repeated warnings ... are directed at people and cities who refuse to back down and comply or be obedient to a hateful agenda."

Mayor Wu also remarked, "We are going to continue being who we are, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be part of a discussion that is challenging Boston's values." Wu finished by stressing her support for the Boston, saying, "Ten toes down for Boston."

Trump's Statements and FIFA's Involvement

Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was photographed with Trump at the international 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 Trump as presents.

On Tuesday, Trump was questioned on recent disturbances in a Boston neighborhood that involved a police car being set on fire. Trump replied, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Infantino – the head of the organization, who's great."

Trump continued, "I'd tell him: 'We should relocate the games' and they would do that. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it without hesitation." Trump also directly criticized Wu, stating, "Their mayor is not good ... she's far-left, and they're taking over some areas in Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"

Past Warnings and 2026 World Cup Details

President Trump has made previous comments that he would take the similar discussion with the FIFA president about moving matches from other host cities, which are among the 16 host cities across the continent.

The US is joint hosts the 2026 tournament with Mexico and Canada. The expanded tournament is scheduled to be played from June 11 to July 19 in the coming year.