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The mayor of Boston, Mayor Wu, indicated that the municipality was prepared for a face-off with President Donald Trump over his assertion that he could order FIFA to remove World Cup tournament matches from Gillette Stadium, located approximately 35 kilometers southwest of the city.

Mayor Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast this week to address criticism from the White House, which had labeled her as "radical left." Trump had warned that he would contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "clean up its act."

A great deal of it is secured by agreement so that no single person, even the president, can undo it.

Wu added, "We live in a time where for drama, for power, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are issued at individuals and communities who stand their ground and submit or follow along to a divisive plan."

She further stated, "We are going to continue being ourselves, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be in a conversation that is challenging Boston's values." Wu concluded by emphasizing her support for the Boston, saying, "Fully committed for our city."

The President's Statements and FIFA Involvement

Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen with Trump at the international summit in Egypt. The FIFA president has also visited the Oval Office and given World Cup tournament and Club World Cup awards to Trump as presents.

Earlier, President Trump was questioned on recent disturbances in South Boston that included a police vehicle being burned. Trump replied, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the president of the organization, who's phenomenal."

He continued, "I'd tell him: '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." Trump also directly criticized Mayor Wu, saying, "Boston's mayor is ineffective ... she's radical left, and they're dominating parts of Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"

Past Warnings and 2026 World Cup Information

President Trump has made previous comments that he would have the same conversation with the FIFA president about moving games from other host cities, which are among the 16 locations across North America.

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