Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Addresses President Trump's Warning to Relocate FIFA World Cup Games from Boston
The mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, suggested that the city was prepared for a confrontation with US President Donald Trump regarding his claim that he could order FIFA to relocate World Cup tournament games from Gillette Stadium, located approximately 35 kilometers south-west of Boston.
Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast recently to respond to comments from the Trump administration, which had described her as "far-left." Trump had warned that he would call the head of FIFA if Boston did not "address its issues."
A great deal of it is locked down by agreement so that no single person, even the president, can reverse it.
Wu continued, "We're in a world where for attention, 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 divisive plan."
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 targeting Boston's values." She finished by emphasizing her commitment for the city, declaring, "Ten toes down for Boston."
Trump's Statements and FIFA Role
Earlier this week, Infantino was seen with President Trump at the Gaza summit in Egypt. Infantino has also been to the White House and given World Cup and Club World Cup trophies to the president as gifts.
On Tuesday, President Trump was asked about recent disturbances in South Boston that involved a police vehicle being burned. Trump replied, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the head of the organization, who's phenomenal."
He continued, "I would say: 'We should relocate the games' and they would comply. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it very easily." Trump also specifically targeted Mayor Wu, saying, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're dominating some areas in Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"
Past Threats and Upcoming Tournament Information
President 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 the continent.
The United States is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with neighboring countries. The 48-team event is planned to be played from 11 June to July 19 next summer.