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Boston's mayor, Michelle Wu, indicated that the city was prepared for a face-off with US President Donald Trump concerning his assertion that he could instruct FIFA to relocate World Cup games from the stadium in Foxborough, located 22 miles south-west of the city.

Mayor Wu appeared on a Boston-based podcast this week to respond to comments from the White House, which had labeled her as "radical left." President Trump had warned that he would call FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "clean up its act."

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

She added, "We live in a time where for attention, for power, for pushing the boundaries ... repeated warnings ... are directed at people and cities who stand their ground and comply or be obedient to a divisive plan."

Mayor Wu further stated, "We are going to continue being who we are, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be part of a discussion that is challenging what Boston stands for." Wu finished by stressing her commitment for the city, declaring, "Fully committed for our city."

The President's Comments and FIFA Role

Earlier this week, Infantino was seen with President Trump at the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Infantino has also visited the White House and given World Cup and club championship trophies to Trump as gifts.

Earlier, Trump was asked about recent disturbances in South Boston that included a police vehicle being set on fire. He responded, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the head of the organization, who's phenomenal."

Trump continued, "I would say: 'We should relocate the games' and they would comply. He might not prefer it. But he would do it very easily." The president also specifically targeted Wu, stating, "Their mayor is not good ... she's radical left, and they're dominating some areas in Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"

Previous Threats and 2026 World Cup Details

President Trump has previously suggested that he would have the same conversation with the FIFA president about moving games from other host cities, which are part of the 16 locations across the continent.

The United States is co-hosting the 2026 tournament with Mexico and Canada. The expanded tournament is scheduled to be played from 11 June to 19 July in the coming year.