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The mayor of Boston, Mayor Wu, indicated that the city was ready for a confrontation with US President Donald Trump concerning his claim that he could order FIFA to relocate World Cup tournament matches from the stadium in Foxborough, located approximately 35 kilometers south-west of Boston.

Mayor Wu appeared on a Boston-based podcast recently to respond to criticism from the Trump administration, which had labeled her as "radical left." President Trump had threatened 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 reverse it.

She continued, "We're in a world where for attention, for control, to test limits ... repeated warnings ... are issued at people and cities who stand their ground and comply or be obedient to a hateful agenda."

She also remarked, "We will keep being who we are, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be part of a discussion that is challenging Boston's values." She finished by stressing her support for the city, declaring, "Fully committed for Boston."

Trump's Comments and FIFA's Involvement

Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen alongside President Trump at the international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Infantino has also been to the Oval Office and given World Cup tournament and Club World Cup awards to the president as gifts.

Earlier, President Trump was asked about unrest in a Boston neighborhood that included a police vehicle being set on fire. Trump replied, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the president of FIFA, who's phenomenal."

Trump added, "I would say: 'We should relocate the games' and they would do that. He might not prefer it. But he would do it very easily." Trump also directly criticized Wu, stating, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're taking over some areas in Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Previous Threats and 2026 World Cup Details

President Trump has previously suggested that he would have the similar discussion with Infantino about relocating matches from Seattle and San Francisco, which are among the 16 locations across the continent.

The United States is joint hosts the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. The 48-team event is scheduled to be played from 11 June to July 19 next summer.