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The mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, implied that the city was prepared for a confrontation with US President Donald Trump over his assertion that he could order FIFA to relocate World Cup games from the stadium in Foxborough, situated approximately 35 kilometers southwest of Boston.

Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast this week to address criticism 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 "clean up its act."

Much of it is locked down by contract so that no single person, even if they live in the White House, can change it.

She added, "We're in a world where for drama, for power, for pushing the boundaries ... repeated warnings ... are directed at individuals and communities who stand their ground and comply or be obedient to a divisive plan."

She further stated, "We are going to continue being ourselves, and that means, sadly, we are going to be in a conversation that is targeting what Boston stands for." She finished by stressing her support for the Boston, declaring, "Ten toes down for Boston."

Trump's Statements and FIFA Involvement

Recently, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen alongside President Trump at the international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Infantino has also visited the White House and given World Cup tournament and Club World Cup trophies to the president as gifts.

Earlier, President Trump was asked about recent disturbances in a Boston neighborhood that involved a police car being set on fire. Trump responded, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Gianni – the head of the organization, who's phenomenal."

Trump continued, "I would say: 'Let's move into another location' and they would comply. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it very easily." Trump also directly criticized Mayor Wu, saying, "Boston's mayor is ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"

Previous Warnings and Upcoming Tournament Details

Trump has made previous comments that he would have the similar discussion with Infantino about moving matches from Seattle and San Francisco, which are among the 16 locations across the continent.

The US is joint hosts the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. The expanded tournament is planned to be played from 11 June to 19 July in the coming year.