Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Responds to President Trump's Warning to Relocate FIFA World Cup Matches from Boston
Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, implied that the city was prepared for a face-off with President Donald Trump over 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.
Mayor Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast recently to respond to comments from the White House, which had labeled her as "radical left." Trump had warned that he would call FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "improve its situation."
A great deal of it is locked down by contract so that no one, even if they live in the White House, can change it.
Wu added, "We live in a time where for attention, for control, to test limits ... ongoing threats ... are issued at people and cities who stand their ground and submit or follow along to a divisive plan."
Mayor Wu further stated, "We are going to continue being who we are, and that means, sadly, we are going to be part of a discussion that is targeting Boston's values." Wu finished by emphasizing her support for the city, saying, "Ten toes down for Boston."
The President's Comments and FIFA's Role
Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen alongside President Trump at the international summit in Egypt. Infantino has also been to the White House and presented World Cup and club championship trophies to the president as presents.
On Tuesday, Trump was asked about unrest in South Boston that included a police car being burned. Trump responded, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Infantino – the president of FIFA, who's great."
Trump continued, "I would say: 'Let's move into another location' 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 ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're dominating some areas in Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"
Previous Threats and 2026 World Cup Details
Trump has previously suggested that he would take the similar discussion with Infantino about relocating games from Seattle and San Francisco, which are among the 16 host cities across the continent.
The US is joint hosts the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. The 48-team event is planned to be played from June 11 to July 19 next summer.