By SUNTV Global Channel
January 24, 2026
Germany is considering a potential boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as political tensions escalate between the United States and several European nations over controversial actions by U.S. President Donald Trump.
A senior official of the German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed that internal discussions are intensifying over whether Germany should participate in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Out of the 104 matches scheduled, 78 are set to be played on U.S. soil.
The renewed tensions stem from President Trump’s recent threats to acquire Greenland — a semi-autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty — a move that has sparked outrage across Europe. Trump had also warned of imposing tariffs on eight European countries, including Germany, for opposing the proposal, though the tariff threat was later withdrawn.
Despite the reversal, diplomatic relations remain strained.
Speaking to BBC Sport, DFB Vice-President Oke Göttlich said the time for vague debate had passed.
“I really wonder when the time will be to think and talk about this [a boycott] concretely. For me, that time has definitely come,” Göttlich said.
While France has stated it does not currently support a boycott, the Danish Football Association acknowledged the “sensitive situation,” as Denmark continues its push to qualify for the World Cup through the playoffs.
Göttlich, who is also president of Bundesliga side St Pauli, drew parallels with the 1980 Olympic Games boycott led by the United States following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
“What were the justifications for the boycotts of the Olympic Games in the 1980s?” he asked. “By my reckoning, the potential threat is greater now than it was then. We need to have this discussion.”
Germany’s football authorities have previously clashed with global governing bodies over political expression at major tournaments. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, FIFA warned teams against wearing the OneLove armband promoting inclusion, threatening sporting sanctions.
In protest, German players covered their mouths during the official team photograph before their opening match against Japan, a gesture then-coach Hansi Flick said symbolised FIFA’s attempt to “silence” teams.
Reflecting on that incident, Göttlich criticised what he described as football’s inconsistent stance on political matters.
“Qatar was too political for everyone, and now we’re completely apolitical?” he said. “That really bothers me. As organisations and as a society, we’re forgetting how to set boundaries and defend values.”
He stressed that clearer guidance is needed not only from FIFA and the DFB, but also from political leaders, on how far sport should go in responding to global political developments.
As preparations for the 2026 World Cup continue, Germany’s position could reignite a broader debate over the intersection of politics, ethics, and international sport.
