The 2026 FIFA World Cup will largely be played in the United States, from June 11 to July 19. The invasion of Venezuela, the constant threats about Greenland and all kinds of concerns about human rights in the United States, for example after actions by immigration police ICE, mean that the call for a boycott is becoming louder. There is also criticism of the role of FIFA and the prominent position of American President Donald Trump around the tournament.
Supporters of a boycott say that participation in the World Cup indirectly contributes to Trump’s international image. Many people indicate that that is precisely a reason to stay away: they say that a boycott by European countries would hit his ego.
See for yourself or not?
We are less prepared not only to reject the World Cup on principle but also not to watch it ourselves, but that willingness is still considerable. Nearly half (45 percent) say they will actually boycott the World Cup, while a third say they will watch it. Many people also say they don’t know yet, they let it depend on (international) developments in the run-up to the World Cup.
Football fans are also having difficulty with the upcoming tournament. A large group says they will not follow the tournament, some still have doubts: “If the whole of Europe boycotts football, I will do the same. Otherwise I will just watch.” Many people believe that a boycott must have broad support, otherwise they believe it would be pointless.
Trump, Greenland and Venezuela
It is not the first time that it has been said that ‘we’ should not go to a sporting event for political reasons. Also in the run-up to the previous World Cup, in 2022 in Qatar, the question was whether the Netherlands should stay away due to concerns about human rights and working conditions. A poll by EenVandaag at the time showed that a few months before the start of the tournament, 53 percent thought we should not go.
The KNVB has announced that it sees no reason to take action for the time being. “We have qualified for the final tournament and we will participate in it. At the same time, we are aware of geopolitical developments and are working together with the Dutch government.”
Google, X and Burger King
The World Cup is not the only thing that people have doubts about after the international events of recent times. More than half of people want to buy fewer American products, 4 in 10 want to get away from American cloud services or social media, and 44 percent say they are boycotting American restaurants or are considering doing so.
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