Summary
A German Football Association official, Oke Gottlich, has suggested that a boycott of the 2026 World Cup should be considered due to recent actions by U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S., along with Canada and Mexico, is set to host the tournament, which will include 104 matches, with 78 taking place in the U.S. The official's statement follows tensions between the U.S. and European countries after Trump's controversial actions.
Key Facts
- Oke Gottlich is a vice-president of the German Football Association and president of Bundesliga club St Pauli.
- Gottlich suggested reconsidering participation in the 2026 World Cup hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
- President Trump reportedly threatened European countries with tariffs after a proposal to acquire Greenland.
- Denmark and other countries are aware of the potential for disputes but currently do not support a boycott.
- Gottlich referenced the U.S.-led 1980 Olympic boycott as a historical example.
- 78 of the World Cup matches are scheduled to take place in the U.S.
- The French government is not in favor of a World Cup boycott currently.
- Gottlich also mentioned past tensions the German team faced with Fifa over political issues during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
