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The mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, indicated that the municipality was prepared for a confrontation with US President Donald Trump over his claim that he could instruct FIFA to remove World Cup tournament games from Gillette Stadium, situated approximately 35 kilometers south-west of Boston.

Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast this week to respond to criticism 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 secured by contract so that no one, even if they live in the White House, can reverse it.

She continued, "We live in a time where for drama, for control, to test limits ... ongoing threats ... are directed at people and cities who stand their ground and submit or follow along to a hateful agenda."

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

The President's Comments and FIFA Involvement

Recently, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was photographed with President Trump at the international summit in Egypt. The FIFA president has also been to the Oval Office and given World Cup and club championship trophies to the president as gifts.

Earlier, Trump was questioned on recent disturbances in South Boston that involved a police vehicle being set on fire. Trump responded, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Gianni – the president of the organization, who's great."

Trump added, "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." The president also specifically targeted Wu, saying, "Boston's mayor is ineffective ... she's radical left, and they're dominating parts of Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Previous Warnings and 2026 World Cup Details

President Trump has made previous comments that he would take the similar discussion with the FIFA president about moving games from other host cities, which are part of the 16 host cities across the continent.

The US is joint hosts the 2026 World Cup with neighboring countries. The expanded tournament is planned to be held from June 11 to 19 July next summer.