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The mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, indicated that the municipality was prepared for a confrontation with US President Donald Trump over his claim that he could instruct FIFA to relocate World Cup matches from Gillette Stadium, located 22 miles south-west of the city.

Wu spoke on a local podcast recently to respond to comments from the White House, which had labeled her as "far-left." President Trump had warned that he would call FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "address its issues."

Much of it is secured by contract so that no one, even if they live in the White House, can reverse it.

She added, "We're in a world where for drama, for power, for pushing the boundaries ... repeated warnings ... are directed at people and cities who stand their ground and submit or follow along to a divisive plan."

Mayor Wu further stated, "We are going to continue being ourselves, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be in a conversation that is targeting Boston's values." Wu concluded by emphasizing her commitment for the Boston, saying, "Fully committed for our city."

The President's Statements and FIFA's Involvement

Recently, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was photographed alongside President Trump at the Gaza summit in Egypt. The FIFA president has also been to the White House and given World Cup tournament and club championship trophies to the president as gifts.

On Tuesday, President Trump was asked about recent disturbances in South Boston that involved a police car being set on fire. He replied, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Infantino – the president of FIFA, who's phenomenal."

Trump continued, "I'd tell him: 'We should relocate the games' and they would comply. He might not prefer it. But he would do it very easily." The president 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?"

Previous Threats and Upcoming Tournament Information

Trump has made previous comments that he would take the same conversation with the FIFA president about moving matches from Seattle and San Francisco, which are part of the 16 locations across North America.

The US is joint hosts the 2026 tournament with neighboring countries. The 48-team event is scheduled to be played from June 11 to 19 July in the coming year.