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The mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, suggested that the city was prepared for a face-off with US President Donald Trump over his claim that he could order FIFA to remove World Cup tournament games from Gillette Stadium, situated 22 miles south-west of the city.

Mayor Wu spoke on a local podcast recently to address criticism from the White House, which had labeled her as "radical left." President Trump had warned that he would contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "improve its situation."

A great deal of it is secured by agreement so that no one, even the president, can change it.

She added, "We're in a world where for attention, for control, for pushing the boundaries ... repeated warnings ... are issued at individuals and communities who stand their ground and submit or be obedient to a divisive plan."

Mayor Wu further stated, "We are going to continue being ourselves, and that means, sadly, we are going to be part of a discussion that is targeting what Boston stands for." She finished by emphasizing her commitment for the Boston, declaring, "Ten toes down for our city."

The President's Comments and FIFA Involvement

Recently, Infantino was seen with Trump at the Gaza summit in Egypt. Infantino has also visited the White House and presented World Cup tournament and Club World Cup awards to Trump as presents.

On Tuesday, President Trump was asked about unrest in a Boston neighborhood that included a police vehicle being burned. Trump responded, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the head of FIFA, who's great."

Trump continued, "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 very easily." The president also directly criticized Mayor Wu, saying, "Boston's mayor is ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're dominating some areas in Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Previous Warnings and Upcoming Tournament Information

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

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