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Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, suggested that the municipality was ready for a face-off with President Donald Trump over his assertion that he could order FIFA to relocate World Cup tournament matches from the stadium in Foxborough, located approximately 35 kilometers southwest of Boston.

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

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

Wu added, "We live in a time where for attention, for control, to test limits ... ongoing threats ... are directed at people and cities who stand their ground and comply or be obedient to a divisive plan."

She 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 what Boston stands for." She concluded by emphasizing her support for the city, declaring, "Ten toes down for Boston."

The President's Statements and FIFA's Involvement

Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen alongside Trump at the international summit in Egypt. The FIFA president has also visited the White House and given World Cup and club championship awards to the president as presents.

Earlier, President Trump was asked about unrest in a Boston neighborhood that involved 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 the organization, who's phenomenal."

He added, "I would say: 'Let's move into another location' and they would comply. He might not prefer it. But he would do it without hesitation." The president also specifically targeted Mayor Wu, saying, "Their mayor is not good ... she's far-left, and they're dominating parts of Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Previous Warnings and 2026 World Cup Details

Trump has made previous comments that he would have the same conversation 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 joint hosts the 2026 tournament with Mexico and Canada. The 48-team event is scheduled to be held from June 11 to July 19 next summer.