Sports
France and Germany Make 2026 World Cup Boycott Decisions
There has been growing speculation over whether European nations will boycott the 2026 World Cup due to the ongoing political issues surrounding Donald Trump.
The United States President has caused global chaos in recent weeks, leading to many calls for several major countries to refuse their place on the biggest international stage. The 79-year-old’s threats about tariffs being brought in on those opposing his purchase of Greenland sparked huge furore.
While Trump has stood down from those initial threats, his actions in recent weeks and months have left many countries feeling alienated by the USA. Now, two of the favourites to win the competition have made statements on potentially boycotting the tournament.
French Government Have ‘No Desire’ For World Cup Boycott
France were among the nations being threatened by Trump. However, their sports minister, Marina Ferrari, has now stated that the two-time winners have ‘no desire’ to boycott the World Cup.
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Responding to calls for a French boycott, Ferrari claimed sport should be kept separate from politics. She stated (per The Guardian):
“As it stands now, there is no desire from the ministry for a boycott of this great competition. Now, I will not anticipate what could happen, but I have also heard voices raised from certain political blocs.
“I am one who believes in keeping sport separate [from politics]. The World Cup is an extremely important moment for those who love sport.”
French politician Eric Coquerel had been prompted into saying the USA should be stripped of hosting duties this summer, saying: “Seriously, one imagines going to play the World Cup in a country who attacks its ‘neighbours’, threatens to invade Greenland and rides roughshod over international law.”
German Government Not Getting Involved in World Cup Drama
Germany, who most recently won the World Cup in 2014, were the first major nation to float the idea of boycotting the 2026 iteration. However, it’s now clear that the government won’t be getting involved in the decision either way.
Christiane Schenderlein, the state minister for sports, made a statement to AFP. She stated the German FA and FIFA would ultimately be the decision-makers:
“Decisions on participation or boycotts at major sporting events lie solely with the competent sports associations, not with politicians. This assessment should therefore be made by the respective associations – in this case, the German FA and FIFA.”
