Boston Mayor Mayor Wu Addresses President Trump's Warning to Move World Cup Matches from Boston
The mayor of Boston, Mayor Wu, implied that the city was ready for a dispute with US President Donald Trump over his claim that he could order FIFA to remove World Cup games from the stadium in Foxborough, situated 22 miles south-west of the city.
Mayor Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast this week to address comments from the White House, which had described her as "radical left." Trump had warned that he would contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "improve its situation."
A great deal of it is secured by contract so that no single person, even if they live in the White House, can undo it.
Wu added, "We're in a world where for drama, for control, to test limits ... repeated warnings ... are issued at individuals and communities who stand their ground and comply or follow along to a divisive plan."
Mayor Wu further stated, "We will keep being who we are, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be in a conversation that is targeting what Boston stands for." She concluded by stressing her support for the city, saying, "Ten toes down for our city."
Trump's Statements and FIFA Involvement
Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen alongside President Trump at the international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Infantino has also visited the Oval Office and given World Cup tournament and Club World Cup awards to the president as gifts.
On Tuesday, President Trump was asked about recent disturbances 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 Infantino – the president of the organization, who's great."
He added, "I'd tell him: 'Let's move into another location' and they would comply. He might not prefer it. But he would do it very easily." Trump also directly criticized Mayor Wu, stating, "Boston's mayor is ineffective ... she's radical left, and they're dominating some areas in Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"
Previous Threats and Upcoming Tournament Information
President Trump has previously suggested that he would take the same conversation with Infantino about moving matches from Seattle and San Francisco, which are part of the 16 host cities across the continent.
The United States is co-hosting the 2026 tournament with Mexico and Canada. The expanded tournament is planned to be played from 11 June to 19 July in the coming year.
