Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Addresses Trump's Threat to Relocate World Cup Matches from Boston
Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, implied 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 games from the stadium in Foxborough, located approximately 35 kilometers southwest of the city.
Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast this week to respond to comments from the Trump administration, which had labeled her as "radical left." Trump had threatened that he would call the head of FIFA 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 attention, for control, to test limits ... repeated warnings ... are issued at people and cities who refuse to back down and comply or follow along to a divisive plan."
Mayor Wu also remarked, "We will keep being ourselves, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be in a conversation that is targeting Boston's values." She finished by stressing her commitment for the city, saying, "Ten toes down for Boston."
The President's Comments and FIFA Role
Recently, Infantino was seen with President Trump at the international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. The FIFA president has also visited the White House and given World Cup tournament and Club World Cup awards to the president as gifts.
Earlier, Trump was asked about unrest in South Boston that involved a police vehicle being burned. Trump responded, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Gianni – the president of FIFA, who's phenomenal."
He 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." The president also specifically targeted Mayor Wu, stating, "Their mayor is not good ... she's radical left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"
Past Warnings and Upcoming Tournament Information
Trump has made previous comments that he would take the similar discussion with the FIFA president about relocating games from Seattle and San Francisco, which are part of the 16 host cities across North America.
The United States is co-hosting the 2026 tournament with neighboring countries. The 48-team event is planned to be played from June 11 to July 19 next summer.
