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

Mayor Wu appeared on a local podcast this week to address criticism from the White House, which had labeled her as "radical left." President Trump had threatened 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 single person, even if they live in the White House, can reverse it.

Wu continued, "We live in a time where for drama, for power, to test limits ... repeated warnings ... are issued at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and submit or follow along to a divisive plan."

She further stated, "We will keep being ourselves, and that means, sadly, we are going to be part of a discussion that is challenging what Boston stands for." She concluded by stressing her support for the city, saying, "Fully committed for our city."

The President's Comments and FIFA's Role

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

On Tuesday, Trump was questioned on unrest in a Boston neighborhood that included a police car being set on fire. He responded, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Gianni – the president of FIFA, who's phenomenal."

Trump added, "I'd tell him: 'We should relocate the games' and they would comply. He might not prefer it. But he would do it without hesitation." Trump also specifically targeted Mayor Wu, stating, "Boston's mayor is not good ... she's radical left, and they're taking over some areas in Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Previous Warnings and 2026 World Cup Information

Trump has previously suggested that he would take 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 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. The expanded tournament is planned to be held from 11 June to 19 July in the coming year.