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Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, implied that the municipality was prepared for a dispute with President Donald Trump concerning his assertion that he could instruct FIFA to remove World Cup tournament matches from the stadium in Foxborough, situated approximately 35 kilometers south-west of the city.

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

Much of it is locked down by contract so that no one, even the president, can reverse it.

She continued, "We're in a world where for drama, for control, to test limits ... repeated warnings ... are directed at individuals and communities who stand their ground and comply or follow along to a divisive plan."

She also remarked, "We will keep being ourselves, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be in a conversation that is targeting Boston's values." Wu finished by emphasizing her support for the city, saying, "Fully committed for Boston."

Trump's Statements and FIFA Role

Earlier this week, Infantino was seen alongside President Trump at the international summit in Egypt. Infantino has also been to the Oval Office and given World Cup and club championship awards to Trump as presents.

On Tuesday, President Trump was questioned on unrest in a Boston neighborhood that involved a police vehicle being burned. 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 great."

Trump continued, "I would say: 'Let's move into another location' and they would do that. He might not prefer it. But he would do it without hesitation." The president also specifically targeted Wu, stating, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're taking over some areas in Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"

Previous Warnings and 2026 World Cup Information

President Trump has made previous comments that he would have the similar discussion with Infantino about relocating games from other host cities, which are part of the 16 host cities across North America.

The US is joint hosts the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. The expanded tournament is scheduled to be played from 11 June to 19 July in the coming year.