Discussions in Germany have intensified over potentially boycotting the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, in response to President Donald Trump's repeated comments about annexing Greenland. Lawmakers from the ruling Christian Democratic Union have suggested considering such a measure as a last resort if the annexation occurs. A recent survey indicates nearly half of Germans would support the boycott under those circumstances.
US President Donald Trump's insistence that the United States should control Greenland for national security reasons has sparked backlash across Europe, including calls in Germany to reconsider participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament is scheduled from June 11 to July 19 across the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Jurgen Hardt, a lawmaker from Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), told German media he could not envision a celebratory football event in the US if it illegally annexed Greenland. "We should send as many messages as possible to the Trump administration and the American people that there are certain red lines in regards to upholding sovereignty and international affairs," Hardt said. He proposed that refusing to participate could serve as a "last resort to get Trump to see sense on the Greenland issue."
Fellow CDU member Roderich Kiesewetter echoed these sentiments, stating, "If Trump carries out the announcements and threats related to Greenland and starts a trade war with the EU, it is hard to imagine European countries taking part in the World Cup."
However, Sport Minister Christiane Schenderlein emphasized that decisions on boycotts rest with sports associations, not politicians. A member of the German soccer federation's executive committee has also urged considering a boycott due to Trump's actions.
Public opinion is divided, according to an Insa survey: 47% of respondents would support Germany boycotting the World Cup if the US annexed Greenland, 35% opposed, and 18% were undecided.
Berlin resident Bernd Kiefell acknowledged the impact on athletes, referencing past Olympic boycotts in 1980 and 1984, but added, "At some point, some pressure needs to be applied." Others, like Arthur, supported a boycott to assert Europe's interests, while Hoffmann expressed uncertainty, questioning the fairness to players. Frank argued it might not deter Trump but would send a necessary signal, and an unnamed resident wondered if sports and politics should remain separate.
