The French government has rejected calls to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, despite mounting political pressure over President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland.
Sports Minister Marina Ferrari confirmed this week that France had no intention of withdrawing from the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
“As it stands now, there is no desire from the ministry for a boycott of this great competition,” Ferrari told reporters. “I am one who believes in keeping sport separate [from politics]. The World Cup is an extremely important moment for those who love sport.”
The comments came after Eric Coquerel, a senior far-left politician from the Nouveau Front Populaire alliance, called for the US to be stripped of its co-hosting rights. Trump has threatened tariffs against France and seven other European countries for opposing his attempts to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
“Seriously one imagines going to play the World Cup in a country who attacks its ‘neighbours’, threatens to invade Greenland and rides rough shod over international law,” Coquerel said.
Meanwhile, Claude Leroy, a 77-year-old veteran coach who led Cameroon to the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations title, suggested African teams should boycott the tournament over Trump’s behaviour towards the continent. “One wonders whether it is not necessary to call for a boycott of the 2026 World Cup, given the behaviour of Donald Trump with regard to the continent,” he told French newspaper Figaro.
Germany has also distanced itself from boycott discussions. Christiane Schenderlein, the state minister for sports, said decisions on participation “lie solely with the competent sports associations, not with politicians”.
Reports suggest approximately 16,800 fans have cancelled World Cup tickets in response to safety fears, political protests and human rights concerns in the US. A hashtag, #BoycottWorldCup, has circulated on social media platforms.
A group of cross-party MPs has separately called on FIFA to consider expelling the United States from hosting duties until the country demonstrates compliance with international law.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has maintained close ties with Trump, awarding him a specially created “FIFA Peace Prize” at the World Cup draw in December. The organisation has reportedly scheduled an emergency meeting to address the backlash and ticket cancellations.
Travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration have also created difficulties for fans from African nations including Senegal and Ivory Coast, who face partial or full bans on entry to the US.
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