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The mayor of Boston, Mayor Wu, indicated that the city was prepared for a dispute with US President Donald Trump over his claim that he could order FIFA to relocate World Cup games from Gillette Stadium, situated 22 miles south-west of the city.

Wu appeared on a local podcast this week to answer criticism from the White House, which had described her as "far-left." President Trump had warned 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 the president, can undo it.

She added, "We live in a time where for attention, for control, to test limits ... repeated warnings ... 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 will keep being who we are, and that means, sadly, we are going to be in a conversation that is challenging what Boston stands for." Wu concluded by emphasizing her support for the city, declaring, "Fully committed for Boston."

The President's Comments and FIFA's Role

Earlier this week, Infantino was photographed alongside President Trump at the international summit in Egypt. The FIFA president has also visited the Oval Office and given World Cup and Club World Cup trophies to the president as gifts.

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

Trump added, "I'd tell him: 'We should relocate the games' and they would comply. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it without hesitation." The president also directly criticized Mayor Wu, stating, "Boston's mayor is not good ... she's radical left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"

Past Threats and Upcoming Tournament Information

Trump has made previous comments that he would take the same conversation with the FIFA president about relocating matches from other host cities, which are among the 16 host cities across North America.

The United States is joint hosts the 2026 tournament with neighboring countries. The expanded tournament is planned to be held from June 11 to July 19 in the coming year.