Boston's Leader Michelle Wu Responds to President Trump's Threat to Move FIFA World Cup Games from Boston
Boston's mayor, Michelle Wu, implied that the city was prepared for a face-off with US President Donald Trump over his assertion that he could instruct FIFA to remove World Cup tournament games from Gillette Stadium, located 22 miles southwest of the city.
Mayor Wu spoke on a local podcast this week to address comments from the Trump administration, which had labeled her as "radical left." Trump had threatened that he would contact the head of FIFA if Boston did not "clean up its act."
Much of it is secured by contract so that no one, even if they live in the White House, can change it.
Wu continued, "We live in a time where for attention, for power, to test limits ... ongoing threats ... are directed at people and cities who stand their ground and comply or be obedient to a hateful agenda."
Mayor Wu also remarked, "We will keep being who we are, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be in a conversation that is targeting what Boston stands for." Wu concluded by stressing her support for the city, saying, "Fully committed for our city."
The President's Statements and FIFA Role
Recently, Infantino was photographed alongside Trump at the Gaza summit in Egypt. Infantino has also visited the White House and presented World Cup and Club World Cup awards to Trump as presents.
On Tuesday, 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 unsafe conditions, I would call Infantino – the head of FIFA, who's phenomenal."
Trump added, "I'd tell him: 'Let's move into another location' and they would comply. He might not prefer it. But he would do it very easily." The president also directly criticized Mayor Wu, saying, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's radical left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"
Previous Warnings and Upcoming Tournament Details
Trump has previously suggested that he would take the similar discussion with the FIFA president about moving matches from Seattle and San Francisco, which are part of the 16 host cities across North America.
The US is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. The expanded tournament is planned to be held from June 11 to 19 July in the coming year.
