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Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, implied that the municipality was prepared for a face-off with President Donald Trump regarding his claim that he could instruct FIFA to relocate World Cup matches from Gillette Stadium, located 22 miles southwest of Boston.

Wu spoke on a local podcast this week to answer comments from the White House, which had labeled her as "radical left." President Trump had warned 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 single person, even if they live in the White House, can reverse it.

Wu continued, "We're in a world where for attention, for control, to test limits ... ongoing threats ... are issued at people and cities who refuse to back down and comply or follow along to a divisive plan."

Mayor Wu also remarked, "We will keep being ourselves, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be in a conversation that is challenging what Boston stands for." Wu finished by stressing her support for the Boston, saying, "Fully committed for Boston."

Trump's Statements and FIFA Role

Earlier this week, Infantino was photographed with President Trump at the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. The FIFA president has also visited the White House and given World Cup and club championship awards to the president as gifts.

On Tuesday, Trump was asked about recent disturbances in a Boston neighborhood that involved a police car being burned. Trump replied, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Infantino – the head of FIFA, who's phenomenal."

Trump continued, "I would say: 'Let's move into another location' and they would do that. He might not prefer it. But he would do it very easily." Trump also specifically targeted Wu, saying, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Previous Threats and Upcoming Tournament Information

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

The United States is joint hosts the 2026 tournament with Mexico and Canada. The 48-team event is planned to be played from 11 June to July 19 in the coming year.