A top football official has suggested that a boycott of the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, should be considered in response to President Donald Trump's recent actions regarding Greenland. The suggestion comes amid rising political tensions between the U.S. and several European nations, particularly concerning Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
The idea of a boycott has gained traction following Trump's remarks about potentially acquiring Greenland and his subsequent threats of tariffs on European countries. These actions have been perceived by some as disrespectful to allies and a form of "unilateral bullying," leading to calls for a strong response. A British lawmaker, Simon Hoare, even suggested that football teams should boycott the World Cup as a form of "soft resistance" against the U.S..
The possibility of a boycott was publicly raised by Jürgen Hardt, a spokesperson for Germany's foreign policy. This has brought the discussion to the forefront, with German public broadcaster DW noting that "European-led demands for a World Cup boycott are gradually gaining momentum" as relations between Europe and the U.S. cool. DW further stated that not only politicians, but also fans and football figures are questioning whether the Trump administration's actions are appropriate for World Cup participation.
UEFA held a meeting this week where heads of numerous member associations discussed the situation, including the 10% tariff imposed by President Trump on European countries in connection with the Greenland issue. While Trump hinted at withdrawing the tariffs if a NATO agreement is reached, Europe is not taking this at face value. Countries that attended the meeting included Germany, France, England, the Netherlands, and Norway.
France's sports minister, Marina Ferrari, stated that there is currently "no desire from the ministry for a boycott of this great competition". However, the situation remains fluid, and potential actions could depend on further developments. The Netherlands have also indicated that they intend to participate in the tournament. Gijs de Jong, KNVB secretary general, stated that they always follow the guidelines set by the Dutch government, FIFA and UEFA.
The potential absence of European teams would significantly impact the tournament, as 16 out of the 48 participating countries are European. European clubs are also at the center of world football, making their participation crucial for the event's success. FIFA's close ties with the Trump administration have also been criticized, with some believing that the organization has politicized itself. Some federations were reportedly unbothered by FIFA president Gianni Infantino giving Donald Trump a peace prize in December, but the gravity of current events is not lost on anyone.
The situation remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether a widespread boycott will materialize. However, the fact that such discussions are taking place highlights the growing unease among some European nations regarding President Trump's policies and their potential impact on international relations. The German stance is to keep the possibility of a boycott open, while leaving the final decision to the German Football Association (DFB).
