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Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, suggested that the city was prepared for a face-off with US President Donald Trump over his claim that he could order FIFA to relocate World Cup tournament games from the stadium in Foxborough, situated 22 miles south-west of the city.

Wu spoke on a local podcast recently to answer criticism from the White House, which had described her as "far-left." President Trump had warned that he would call FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "address its issues."

Much of it is locked down by contract so that no single person, even if they live in the White House, can undo it.

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

Mayor Wu also remarked, "We are going to continue being who we are, 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 commitment for the city, declaring, "Ten toes down for our city."

Trump's Statements and FIFA Involvement

Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen with Trump at the international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Infantino has also visited the Oval Office and given World Cup tournament and Club World Cup trophies to the president as gifts.

On Tuesday, Trump was questioned on recent disturbances in a Boston neighborhood that included a police vehicle being burned. Trump responded, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Gianni – the head of the organization, who's great."

Trump 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 specifically targeted Wu, saying, "Boston's mayor is ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're dominating some areas in Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"

Previous Threats and Upcoming Tournament Details

President Trump has made previous comments that he would take the same conversation with Infantino about relocating games from other host cities, which are among the 16 host cities across the continent.

The US is co-hosting the 2026 tournament with neighboring countries. The expanded tournament is scheduled to be played from 11 June to July 19 next summer.