Donald Trump tensions, but European boycott of 2026 World Cup remains unlikely | OneFootball

A European boycott of the 2026 World Cup remains highly unlikely despite Donald Trump’s international posture, including his Greenland annexation threats later tempered by a NATO agreement announcement. European football leaders do not expect political instructions to stay away.

Gianni Infantino and Aleksander Ceferin crossed paths in Budapest for the Hungarian federation’s 125th anniversary gala, which honoured the celebrated 1954 side led by Ferenc Puskas. Infantino noted that team endures in memory, much like Zico’s Brazil in 1982 and Johan Cruyff’s Netherlands in 1974. In Germany, the government told AFP it would leave any boycott decision to the DFB and accept its assessment.

UEFA offered no official comment and FIFA did not respond, but the prospect of a politically driven boycott is not considered serious. The European body would in any case be unlikely to issue instructions, as before Qatar 2022 it left participation to federations and no qualified nation withdrew.

Denmark, whose autonomous territory Greenland is economically tied to Copenhagen, is treading carefully. DBU director general Erik Brögger Rasmussen said the federation is aware of a delicate situation, is monitoring it closely, and that the priority is to win two March fixtures to qualify.

In France, barring a major shock, the national team is expected to take part next summer. Sports minister Marina Ferrari said there is currently no will to boycott, added she would not prejudge events, and urged a separation of sport and politics, stressing the World Cup’s importance to supporters.

Source: L'Équipe