Boston Mayor Mayor Wu Counters Trump's Warning to Move FIFA World Cup Matches from City
Boston's mayor, Michelle Wu, implied that the city was prepared for a face-off with President Donald Trump over his assertion that he could order FIFA to remove World Cup tournament games from the stadium in Foxborough, located 22 miles southwest of Boston.
Mayor Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast recently to address criticism from the Trump administration, which had described her as "far-left." Trump had warned that he would contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "address its issues."
A great deal of it is locked down by contract so that no single person, even the president, can change it.
Wu continued, "We're in a world where for drama, for power, for pushing the boundaries ... repeated warnings ... are directed at people and cities who refuse to back down and submit or be obedient to a divisive plan."
Mayor Wu further stated, "We will keep being who we are, and that means, sadly, we are going to be in a conversation that is challenging Boston's values." Wu finished by emphasizing her support for the Boston, saying, "Ten toes down for Boston."
Trump's Statements and FIFA's Involvement
Recently, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen alongside President Trump at the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. The FIFA president has also visited the Oval Office and given World Cup tournament and Club World Cup trophies to the president as presents.
On Tuesday, President Trump was questioned on recent disturbances in a Boston neighborhood that included a police vehicle being burned. Trump replied, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Gianni – the president of the organization, 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 very easily." Trump also directly criticized Mayor Wu, saying, "Their mayor is not good ... she's radical left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"
Past Warnings and Upcoming Tournament Details
Trump has made previous comments that he would have the similar discussion with the FIFA president about relocating games from other host cities, which are part of 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 next summer.
