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Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, indicated that the municipality was ready for a confrontation with US President Donald Trump over his assertion that he could instruct FIFA to remove World Cup tournament games from the stadium in Foxborough, situated approximately 35 kilometers southwest of the city.

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

Much of it is locked down by contract so that no single person, even the president, can undo it.

She added, "We're in a world where for drama, for power, for pushing the boundaries ... repeated warnings ... are issued at individuals and communities who stand their ground and comply or be obedient to a divisive plan."

She also remarked, "We will keep being ourselves, and that means, sadly, we are going to be part of a discussion that is targeting what Boston stands for." Wu finished by emphasizing her support for the city, saying, "Ten toes down for Boston."

Trump's Statements and FIFA Role

Recently, Infantino was seen with Trump at the international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. The FIFA president has also visited the Oval Office and given World Cup and club championship awards to Trump as presents.

On Tuesday, Trump was asked about recent disturbances in South Boston that involved a police vehicle being set on fire. Trump responded, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Infantino – the head of the organization, who's great."

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 very easily." Trump also directly criticized Mayor Wu, stating, "Boston's mayor is not good ... she's far-left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Past Threats and 2026 World Cup Information

President Trump has previously suggested that he would take the similar discussion with Infantino about relocating games from other host cities, which are among the 16 host cities across North America.

The US is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with neighboring countries. The 48-team event is scheduled to be played from 11 June to 19 July in the coming year.