The 2026 FIFA World Cup has become a focal point of controversy amidst rising tensions between the US and several European nations. Donald Trump‘s naming as co-presenter has prompted calls for a boycott from various football associations and political leaders.
Calls for FIFA World Cup 2026 boycott emerge amid Donald Trump’s co-presenter role
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, is currently in the midst of a growing backlash against US President Donald Trump. The US president’s plans to acquire Greenland and impose tariffs have sparked concerns among European nations.
Mark Pieth, a Swiss attorney and former chair of FIFA’s Independent Governance Committee, sparked controversy by advising fans to boycott the USA. He cited concerns over Trump’s policies and their impact on the 2026 World Cup in the interview with Der Bund. Pieth’s stance has been backed by soccer figures, lawmakers, and fans.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has also backed the boycott call on X (formerly Twitter). “I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup,” Blatter tweeted. Earlier this month, German Member of Parliament Jürgen Hardt informed tabloid Bild of Germany’s national football team’s chances of skipping the tournament. However, Germany’s government has left the decision to participate in the 2026 World Cup to its soccer federation.
Meanwhile, UK Conservative MP Simon Hoare suggested England, Scotland, and Wales boycott the tournament to “embarrass” the US President. Football fans, too, are considering boycotting the 2026 World Cup in protest of “aggressive U.S. military intervention.” A German poll found 47% support a boycott if Trump annexes Greenland, while over 150,000 people in the Netherlands signed a petition urging their national team to boycott.
As for fans from countries like Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast, they have little to no choice in this matter. They are already facing a range of travel restrictions, barring them from entering the USA. However, France’s sports minister, Marina Ferrari, stated that there’s no desire to boycott the competition. “I am one who believes in keeping sport separate. The World Cup is an extremely important moment for those who love sport,” Ferrari added.
