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Boston's mayor, Michelle Wu, implied that the city was ready for a dispute with President Donald Trump regarding his claim that he could instruct FIFA to remove World Cup matches from Gillette Stadium, located 22 miles southwest of the city.

Mayor Wu spoke on a local podcast this week to address comments from the White House, which had labeled her as "far-left." President Trump had threatened that he would contact the head of FIFA if Boston did not "improve its situation."

Much of it is secured by contract so that no single person, even the president, can reverse it.

She added, "We live in a time where for drama, for control, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are directed at people and cities who stand their ground and comply or follow along to a hateful agenda."

She further stated, "We will keep being who we are, and that means, sadly, we are going to be part of a discussion that is targeting Boston's values." Wu concluded by emphasizing her support for the city, saying, "Ten toes down for Boston."

The President's Comments and FIFA Role

Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen with President Trump at the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. The FIFA president has also been to the White House and presented World Cup and Club World Cup trophies to the president as presents.

Earlier, President Trump was asked about unrest in South Boston that involved a police car being burned. Trump replied, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Infantino – the head of FIFA, who's phenomenal."

Trump continued, "I'd tell him: 'Let's move into another location' and they would do that. He might not prefer it. But he would do it very easily." The president also specifically targeted Mayor Wu, saying, "Boston's mayor is not good ... she's radical left, and they're dominating some areas in Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Previous Warnings and Upcoming Tournament Information

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

The US is joint hosts the 2026 tournament with Mexico and Canada. The 48-team event is planned to be played from June 11 to July 19 next summer.