FMonths before the start of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA is eyeing an unexpected front with concern. The proposal by German politicians threatens to jeopardize the biggest soccer event in history, with 48 teams, three host countries (the United States, Mexico and Canada) and ever-growing disputes.
When Donald Trump returned to the White House, he caused a storm by claiming he intended to annex Greenland to the United States. The idea, presented as a “national security” issue, set off alarms in Europe and angered Denmark, the European Union and NATO.
From Germany, a response came from Jürgen Hardt, a member of the Christian Democratic Union and close to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. In an interview with Bild newspaper, the politician hinted at a move that would put FIFA in a bind, saying, “Cancellation of the tournament will only be considered as a last resort for President Trump to reconsider the Greenland issue.”
Hurd still believes in a diplomatic solution, but has not ruled out symbolic pressure to boycott. This threat is not small. Germany, four-time world champions (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014), are one of the most iconic teams on the planet and central to the tournament’s sporting and financial success. Absence would cost FIFA and the host country millions of dollars.
Looking to the future
However, this conflict is not limited to soccer. The Trump administration has imposed 10% tariffs on eight European countries, including Germany, France and Denmark, over their opposition to the Greenland plan, and diplomatic tensions are rising by the day.
To this scenario must be added the domestic situation in the United States, characterized by attacks on immigrants, protests, and a government in the midst of an international struggle. Still, the country is gearing up to host a great football extravaganza this summer. For now, the ball is still in political court. But if Berlin follows through on that threat, they could lose one of their giants at the 2026 World Cup before a ball is even kicked.
discussion begins
Among the voices weighing in is that of Piers Morgan, a British journalist and personal friend of the US president who has always been media savvy. Despite having a close relationship with Trump, Morgan distanced himself from him over his explosive proposal. “Perhaps England, France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, Norway and Italy should suspend their participation in the World Cup while tariff negotiations with President Trump continue? Interest may increase if eight of the 10 favorites withdraw,” he said on social media. It was a remorse that sounded more like a provocation than mere speculation, but it raised the uneasy possibility that the World Cup would be held without Europe’s powerhouses.
The idea of boycotting is not new. Similar messages have been sent out in recent weeks by German soccer players, veteran African coach Claude Le Roy and others. It’s all speculation for now, but the scenario could be seismic for the organization. FIFA, led by Gianni Infantino and a regular supporter of Trump, will face a huge dilemma if these threats go from mere noise to fact.
