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Boston's mayor, Michelle Wu, implied that the city was prepared for a dispute with US President Donald Trump concerning his claim that he could order FIFA to remove World Cup matches from Gillette Stadium, situated approximately 35 kilometers south-west of the city.

Mayor Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast this week to answer criticism from the White House, which had described her as "radical left." Trump had threatened that he would call FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "address its issues."

A great deal 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 drama, for control, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are issued at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and submit or be obedient to a divisive plan."

She also remarked, "We are going to continue 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 emphasizing her support for the city, saying, "Ten toes down for our city."

Trump's Comments and FIFA's Involvement

Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen alongside President Trump at the Gaza summit in Egypt. The FIFA president has also visited the Oval Office and presented World Cup tournament and Club World Cup trophies to the president as presents.

On Tuesday, President Trump was asked about recent disturbances in a Boston neighborhood that included a police vehicle being burned. He replied, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the president of FIFA, who's great."

Trump continued, "I'd tell him: 'We should relocate the games' and they would do that. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it very easily." The president also specifically targeted Wu, saying, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're taking over some areas in Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"

Previous Threats and Upcoming Tournament Information

Trump has previously suggested that he would take the similar discussion 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 neighboring countries. The 48-team event is scheduled to be played from June 11 to July 19 in the coming year.