Relations between some European governments and the United States have frayed, and calls for European teams to boycott the 2026 World Cup are gaining traction among politicians, fans and football officials. The stimulus for the debate has been moves by the Trump administration — notably comments about Greenland and a 10% tariff on eight European countries — that many see as making participation in a US-hosted tournament problematic.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said he would not use force to annex Greenland but followed that by warning he might use “excessive strength and force,” a statement that revived fears given his history of abrupt policy reversals. Even after reports that a framework for a Greenland deal had been agreed with NATO, European governments and football associations say they must be ready for all scenarios.
Mogens Jensen, spokesperson for culture, media and sports for Denmark’s Social Democrats, said his party is not currently calling for a boycott but considers it a last resort. “If that should happen,” Jensen said of a potential invasion, “then a boycott discussion is very, very relevant.” He added he hopes it will not come to that.
UEFA reportedly held talks with several national association leaders after Trump imposed a 10% tariff on eight European countries over Greenland. Trump later said he would lift the tariffs if the NATO deal he referenced were completed. Of the nations affected, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, France and the UK (England and Scotland) have already qualified for 2026; Denmark, Sweden and Northern Ireland are in playoffs; Finland did not qualify.
In Germany, some politicians have suggested even economic measures could justify boycotts. Roderich Kiesewetter of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democrats said that if Trump pursues a trade war with the EU, it would be hard to imagine European participation. Christiane Schenderlein, Germany’s state minister for sports, insisted decisions on participation or boycotts rest with sports associations, not politicians. The German Football Association (DFB) has not publicly commented on the issue.
Grassroots pressure is growing. Dutch activist Teun van de Keuken launched a petition that has drawn roughly 135,000 signatures, arguing sports bodies cannot ignore the political context and must take a stand. Van de Keuken said many fans share his frustration and, while they would regret losing the World Cup, they believe political principles are more important in the current circumstances.
Critics also point to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s public friendliness toward Trump as undermining FIFA’s claimed political neutrality. Concerns include FIFA’s decision to award a newly created “peace prize” to Trump, which opponents say risks turning the tournament into a platform for political messaging. Jensen and others have warned the World Cup could become propaganda if FIFA and the US administration align closely.
Timing could be decisive. The new tariffs were set to take effect on February 1 if the NATO deal Trump spoke of was not signed — about 10 days before UEFA’s Executive Committee (Exco) meeting in Brussels. That Exco meeting could be a turning point for any coordinated European response. With 16 of the 48 World Cup slots held by European teams and many of the world’s top clubs based in Europe, a united European boycott would likely have major global consequences and could prompt others to follow.
Some countries appear more likely than others to lead a boycott. Spain, which has taken political stands before on international competitions, is mentioned as a possible leader; Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was among leaders who called for Israel to be barred from some competitions last year. Norway’s FA president Lise Klaveness, a UEFA Exco member who previously advocated boycotting Israel and supported player protests in 2022, said any boycott should be collective. “We do not believe that an isolated boycott on the part of NFF is an effective means of lasting change. In these times, it is particularly important that countries in Europe speak with one voice and stand united,” she said.
Most political parties and football federations are currently watching to see which of Trump’s announcements — rhetorical or real — will materialize. If threats escalate into concrete actions, the debate over boycotting the 2026 World Cup is likely to intensify, forcing football authorities and national governments to weigh sporting interests against political and ethical considerations.
Edited by: Chuck Penfold