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Boston's mayor, Michelle Wu, implied that the city was prepared for a dispute with US President Donald Trump regarding his assertion that he could instruct FIFA to remove World Cup games from Gillette Stadium, located approximately 35 kilometers southwest of the city.

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

Much of it is secured by agreement so that no one, even the president, can change it.

She continued, "We live in a time where for attention, for control, to test limits ... ongoing threats ... are issued at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and comply or be obedient to a hateful agenda."

She also remarked, "We will keep being who we are, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be part of a discussion that is challenging what Boston stands for." She concluded by stressing her support for the Boston, saying, "Ten toes down for Boston."

The President's Comments and FIFA Involvement

Earlier this week, Infantino was photographed with President Trump at the Gaza summit in Egypt. Infantino has also been to the Oval Office and presented World Cup tournament and Club World Cup awards to the president as presents.

Earlier, Trump was questioned on unrest in South Boston that involved a police vehicle being burned. Trump responded, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the head of FIFA, who's phenomenal."

Trump continued, "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 directly criticized Wu, saying, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's radical left, and they're dominating some areas in Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Previous Warnings and 2026 World Cup Information

Trump has made previous comments that he would have the similar discussion with Infantino about moving games from other host cities, which are part of the 16 locations across North America.

The United States is joint hosts the 2026 tournament with neighboring countries. The expanded tournament is planned to be held from June 11 to July 19 in the coming year.