France Threatens 2026 World Cup Boycott Over Trump's Explosive Greenland Remarks
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari disclosed that the 2018 FIFA World Cup winners show "no interest" in boycotting this summer's competition, despite recent tariff warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump.
President Trump has demanded control over Greenland, Denmark's autonomous region, as part of his latest national security initiatives. The 79-year-old leader went so far as to warn eight European nations, including NATO partners France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Denmark, of possible 25% tariffs on all imports to America if they resist his proposal. He has subsequently softened these statements.
These escalating political conflicts form the context for the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. America is expected to gain the most from the tourism surge coming to North America this summer, with 11 American cities hosting 78 of the tournament's 104 fixtures.
French politician Éric Coquerel expressed worries about the U.S. staging football's premier tournament during such strained diplomatic relations, but Ferrari intervened to calm the growing controversy.
"At this moment, there is no intention from the ministry to boycott this major competition," she stated. "However, I won't predict what might occur, but I have also noticed voices emerging from certain political groups.
"I believe in maintaining sport's independence [from politics]. The World Cup represents an incredibly significant occasion for sports enthusiasts."
France Hoping for World Cup Redemption This Summer
France Hoping for World Cup Redemption This Summer
France enters the 2026 World Cup among the top contenders to claim the title, alongside defending champions Argentina and Euro 2024 winners Spain. Didier Deschamps's squad fell short against La Albiceleste in the 2022 World Cup final, where Lionel Messi guided his nation to victory in what many regard as one of football's greatest matches ever.
Four years on, Les Bleus aim to overcome their painful second-place finish in Qatar. With 2025 Ballon d'Or recipient Ousmane Dembélé and Real Madrid sensation Kylian Mbappé spearheading the attack, France will fancy their prospects against virtually any opponent.
They were placed in Group I during December's draw, alongside newly crowned AFCON winners Senegal, Norway and one of Bolivia, Suriname or Iraq. France will establish their base in Boston for the tournament and contest their three group matches in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Boston.
President Trump previously identified Boston, along with several other host venues nationwide, as potentially "dangerous" locations for World Cup fixtures. He even threatened to relocate games and cited Democratic Boston mayor Michelle Wu as one justification.
No additional measures have been implemented, however, meaning France will conduct the opening phase of their 2026 World Cup journey along the East Coast.
READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE
READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE
Amanda Langell is a Sports Illustrated FC freelance writer and editor. Born and raised in New York City, her first loves were the Yankees, the Rangers and Broadway before Real Madrid took over her life. Had it not been for her brother's obsession with Cristiano Ronaldo, she would have never lived through so many magical Champions League nights 3,600 miles away from the Bernabéu. When she's not consumed by Spanish and European soccer, she's traveling, reading or losing her voice at a concert.