Boston's Leader Mayor Wu Counters Trump's Threat to Move World Cup Matches from City
Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, indicated that the city was prepared for a confrontation with US President Donald Trump regarding his claim that he could order FIFA to relocate World Cup tournament games from Gillette Stadium, located 22 miles south-west of the city.
Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast this week to respond to criticism from the Trump administration, which had labeled her as "far-left." President Trump had threatened that he would contact the head of FIFA if Boston did not "address its issues."
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 continued, "We're in a world where for drama, for power, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are directed at people and cities 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, sadly, we are going to be part of a discussion that is challenging Boston's values." Wu finished by stressing her commitment for the city, declaring, "Ten toes down for our city."
Trump's Comments and FIFA Involvement
Recently, Infantino was seen with Trump at the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Infantino has also been to the White House and presented World Cup tournament and club championship trophies to Trump as gifts.
Earlier, Trump was asked about recent disturbances in South Boston that included a police car being set on fire. He responded, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Gianni – the head of the organization, who's great."
Trump 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 without hesitation." Trump also specifically targeted Wu, stating, "Boston's mayor is ineffective ... she's radical left, and they're dominating some areas in Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"
Previous Warnings and 2026 World Cup Details
Trump has previously suggested that he would have the similar discussion with the FIFA president about moving matches from Seattle and San Francisco, which are part of the 16 host cities across the continent.
The US is co-hosting the 2026 tournament with neighboring countries. The expanded tournament is scheduled to be held from June 11 to 19 July next summer.
