Building on earlier endorsements like former FIFA president Sepp Blatter's support for a fan boycott, calls to skip the 2026 World Cup are intensifying from at least 11 nations amid expanded US travel bans affecting fans from 15 participating countries and new controversies including the abduction of Venezuela's president and Middle East military deployments. FIFA warns of sanctions for withdrawals.
As reported earlier, including Sepp Blatter's endorsement of calls to stay away from US-hosted matches due to immigration crackdowns, international pressure on the 2026 FIFA World Cup—co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19—is escalating under President Donald Trump's second term.
Travel restrictions now impact fans from 15 of the 48 competing nations, including Haiti, Iran, and Senegal, though players and staff can enter with waivers. New flashpoints include the US abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, renewed threats to annex Greenland (later withdrawn amid tariffs), and a 'massive armada' deployed to the Middle East pressuring Iran.
At least 11 countries have now voiced concerns: Germany's DFB vice-president Oke Gottlich called for concrete boycott discussions; Denmark's association is monitoring ahead of play-offs; South Africa's Julius Malema urged withdrawal akin to apartheid isolation; Belgium's federation prioritizes sports but watches politics; a Dutch petition hit 163,000 signatures against 'expansionist policy'; France's Sports Minister noted no current talks but unpredictability; and UK MPs pushed Home Nations to exit over Greenland. Germany's president dismissed boycotts as misguided.
FIFA experts note binding contracts risk sanctions for withdrawals, with replacement teams possible but US hosting rights secure due to economics. Iran faced visa hurdles for the World Cup draw. President Gianni Infantino insists FIFA cannot resolve geopolitics. No formal boycotts yet, but tensions rise as kickoff nears.
