With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just around the corner, millions of fans around the world are counting down the days to the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, which will kick off the most important tournament in international soccer. However, the event is beginning to be embroiled in a major political and social controversy after leaders, federations, and influential figures in soccer raised the possibility of a boycott of the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament, which will be held in Mexico, the United States and Canada, could be affected by geopolitical tensions, immigration policies, and security concerns that have ignited international debate months before the start of the competition.
Why is there talk of a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
One of the main triggers for the possible boycott of the 2026 World Cup is the role of Donald Trump, President of the United States and a central figure in the tournament’s organization as host country.
The U.S. government’s recent foreign policy has sparked resentment among leaders and governments in various countries. In particular, the military intervention in Venezuela, where U.S. forces captured President Nicolás Maduro on narcoterrorism charges, was interpreted as a signal that the United States is willing to act unilaterally.
Added to this are threats of intervention in Mexico and Iran, as well as statements about the possible annexation of Greenland, which have heightened international tension and raised questions about the suitability of the United States as host of the World Cup.
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Security in Mexico, another cause for concern ahead of the 2026 World Cup
In addition to the political context, some fans and analysts have expressed concern about security in Mexico during the 2026 World Cup. Although the Federal Government has assured that high-impact crimes are trending downward, recent episodes of violence linked to organized crime have sparked international alarm.
Cases such as the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the murder of lemon growers’ leader Bernardo Bravo, and the massacre of 11 people in Guanajuato have been cited as examples of the security challenges facing the host country.
Countries and figures driving the boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Germany
One of the most significant statements came from Oke Göttlich, vise president of the German Football Federation, who called for “seriously considering” a boycott of the 2026 World Cup. In interviews picked up by media outlets such as ESPN and DW, he stated that the U.S. government’s policies justify opening the debate within German soccer.
The German government confirmed that it will respect whatever decision its federation makes, although it acknowledged that there is official concern about the tournament’s political context.
Iran
Iran has already expressed its dissatisfaction with the organization of the World Cup in the United States by not attending the draw ceremony, where its opponents and venues were determined. Tensions have escalated following Trump’s threats against the country, raising the possibility that the Iranian national team could withdraw from the tournament if the conflict escalates.
Joseph Blatter
Former FIFA president Joseph Blatter also joined the chorus of critics. The former Swiss executive publicly advised fans to “stay away from the United States” during the 2026 World Cup, questioning immigration policies and the treatment of foreign visitors.
Netherlands
Although the Dutch Football Federation has not issued an official position, producer and host Teun Van de Keuken launched a campaign calling for the Netherlands to boycott the 2026 World Cup. The petition has already surpassed 130,000 signatures.
“We don’t want our soccer players to implicitly support policies of violence and persecution against immigrants”, Van de Keuken said in his initiative.
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Could a boycott affect the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Although there is no official decision to withdraw from the tournament at this time, the debate over a boycott of the 2026 World Cup continues to grow and could escalate as the opening date approaches. FIFA and the host countries face the challenge of ensuring security, political neutrality, and non-discriminatory access for teams and fans from around the world.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be historic for its 48-team format, but it could also become one of the most controversial editions in recent soccer history.
