World Cup 2026: EU Boycott Call Examined

EU MPs from the Greens, Social Democrats, Liberals and Left have it Uefa called upon to take a clearer position at the 2026 World Cup in the USA and to examine possible consequences, including boycotts. In a letter to the UEFA leadership, from which the Spiegel quoted, the MPs warn against an erosion of football’s core values. The signatories include the Green Rasmus Andresen and the Social Democrat Matthias Ecke.

The reason for the letter is the awarding of US President Donald Trump with the so-called FIFA Peace Prize by the world association FIFA. The MPs criticize policies and rhetoric under Trump that have raised serious doubts about respect for international law, democratic standards and the principle of self-determination.

Reference is made, among other things, to Trump’s threats against Greenland. Its population was at times treated as if it were “a strategic or economic asset and not a community with the right to decide on its own future.” Hosting the 2026 World Cup should not “normalize or legitimize” such positions.

Federal government rejects World Cup boycott

The federal government has already spoken out against a boycott. “We don’t support that,” said Christiane Schenderlein (CDU), State Minister for Sport and Volunteering, in an interview with the South German newspaper. The federal cabinet has agreed on this. Schenderlein pointed out that the World Cup is not just in the United Statesbut also takes place in Canada and Mexico.

Oke Göttlich, President of FC St. Pauli, however, said that given the behavior of the US President, we should at least discuss a boycott. “You can’t keep a topic quiet,” said Göttlich. “Football doesn’t work in the test tube of social issues. I think it’s right to at least have the debate.”