Boston Mayor Mayor Wu Responds to President Trump's Threat to Move FIFA World Cup Matches from Boston
Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, implied that the municipality was prepared for a face-off with US President Donald Trump regarding his claim that he could order FIFA to relocate World Cup tournament games from the stadium in Foxborough, located 22 miles southwest of the city.
Wu spoke on a local podcast this week to address comments from the White House, which had described her as "far-left." President Trump had warned that he would contact the head of FIFA if Boston did not "clean up its act."
A great deal of it is secured by contract so that no one, even the president, can reverse it.
Wu added, "We're in a world where for attention, for power, to test limits ... repeated warnings ... are issued at people and cities who refuse to back down and submit or be obedient to a hateful agenda."
Mayor Wu further stated, "We are going to continue being who we are, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be part of a discussion that is targeting what Boston stands for." She concluded by stressing her commitment for the city, saying, "Fully committed for Boston."
Trump's Comments and FIFA's Role
Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was photographed alongside President Trump at the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Infantino has also visited the Oval Office and given World Cup tournament and club championship trophies to Trump as presents.
Earlier, Trump was questioned on unrest in South Boston that involved a police vehicle being set on fire. He replied, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Gianni – the head of the organization, who's phenomenal."
He added, "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 very easily." The president also specifically targeted Wu, saying, "Boston's mayor is ineffective ... she's radical left, and they're dominating parts of Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"
Past Threats and Upcoming Tournament Details
Trump has made previous comments that he would take the similar discussion with the FIFA president about relocating games from other host cities, which are part of the 16 locations across the continent.
The United States is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. The 48-team event is scheduled to be held from June 11 to July 19 in the coming year.
