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

Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast recently to answer comments from the Trump administration, which had labeled her as "radical left." President Trump had warned that he would contact the head of FIFA if Boston did not "improve its situation."

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

She continued, "We're in a world where for attention, for power, to test limits ... ongoing threats ... are directed at people and cities who refuse to back down and submit or follow along to a divisive plan."

Mayor Wu 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 what Boston stands for." She concluded by emphasizing her support for the Boston, saying, "Fully committed for our city."

Trump's Statements and FIFA Role

Earlier this week, Infantino was seen with President Trump at the Gaza summit in Egypt. Infantino has also been to the Oval Office and presented World Cup and club championship trophies to Trump as gifts.

On Tuesday, President Trump was asked about recent disturbances in a Boston neighborhood that included a police car being burned. He responded, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Infantino – the president of the organization, who's phenomenal."

Trump continued, "I would say: 'Let's move into another location' and they would do that. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it without hesitation." The president also directly criticized Mayor Wu, saying, "Boston's mayor is not good ... she's radical left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Past Threats and Upcoming Tournament Information

Trump has previously suggested that he would have the similar discussion with the FIFA president about moving games from other host cities, which are among the 16 host cities across the continent.

The United States is joint hosts the 2026 World Cup with neighboring countries. The expanded tournament is scheduled to be held from 11 June to 19 July in the coming year.