Boston's Leader Michelle Wu Addresses President Trump's Warning to Move World Cup Matches from Boston

Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, suggested that the city was prepared for a dispute with President Donald Trump over his assertion that he could order FIFA to remove World Cup tournament matches from Gillette Stadium, situated 22 miles southwest of Boston.

Mayor Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast this week to answer criticism from the Trump administration, which had described her as "radical left." President Trump had threatened that he would contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "address its issues."

A great deal of it is locked down by agreement so that no one, even the president, can undo it.

Wu added, "We're in a world where for attention, for power, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are issued at people and cities who refuse to back down and submit or be obedient to a hateful agenda."

Mayor Wu further stated, "We are going to continue being who we are, and that means, sadly, we are going to be in a conversation that is targeting Boston's values." She finished by emphasizing her support for the Boston, declaring, "Fully committed for Boston."

The President's Statements and FIFA Involvement

Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen with President Trump at the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. The FIFA president has also been to the Oval Office and presented World Cup and club championship awards to Trump as presents.

Earlier, Trump was questioned on unrest in South Boston that involved a police car being burned. He responded, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Infantino – the head of FIFA, who's great."

Trump added, "I'd tell him: 'Let's move into another location' and they would comply. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it very easily." Trump also specifically targeted Mayor Wu, saying, "Boston's mayor is not good ... she's radical left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Previous Warnings and Upcoming Tournament Details

President Trump has previously suggested that he would take the same conversation with Infantino about relocating games from Seattle and San Francisco, which are part of the 16 locations across the continent.

The United States is co-hosting the 2026 tournament with neighboring countries. The 48-team event is scheduled to be held from June 11 to July 19 next summer.

Desiree Alexander
Desiree Alexander

Interior designer and home decor enthusiast with a passion for creating cozy, stylish spaces.