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The mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, indicated that the municipality was ready for a face-off with US President Donald Trump concerning his assertion that he could order FIFA to remove World Cup matches from the stadium in Foxborough, located 22 miles south-west of the city.

Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast recently to address criticism from the White House, which had described her as "far-left." President Trump had warned that he would contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "clean up its act."

A great deal of it is secured by agreement so that no one, even the president, can undo it.

She added, "We live in a time where for attention, for power, to test limits ... ongoing threats ... are issued at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and comply or be obedient to a hateful agenda."

Mayor Wu 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 Boston's values." She finished by emphasizing her commitment for the Boston, saying, "Fully committed for Boston."

Trump's Statements and FIFA's Involvement

Recently, Infantino was seen alongside President Trump at the Gaza summit in Egypt. Infantino has also visited the Oval Office and presented World Cup tournament and club championship awards to Trump as gifts.

On Tuesday, Trump was asked about recent disturbances in South Boston that involved a police vehicle being set on fire. He responded, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the president of FIFA, who's phenomenal."

He continued, "I'd tell him: 'We should relocate the games' and they would do that. He might not prefer it. But he would do it very easily." The president also directly criticized Wu, stating, "Boston's mayor is not good ... she's radical left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Past Threats and Upcoming Tournament Information

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

The US is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. The 48-team event is scheduled to be played from 11 June to 19 July in the coming year.