A senior official of the German Football Association (DFB) has called for discussions on a possible boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing concerns over the actions of US President Donald Trump.
Oke Göttlich, vice president of the DFB and president of Bundesliga club St. Pauli, said the issue should be “seriously considered” in light of recent political developments involving the United States.
In an interview with Hamburger Morgenpost on Friday, Göttlich referred to Trump’s controversial bid to take control of Greenland and his threat to impose tariffs on several European countries opposing the move. He said these actions have strained relations between the US and its European allies and raised concerns about stability within NATO.
Questioning past precedents, Göttlich compared the situation to Olympic boycotts in the 1980s, arguing that the current geopolitical risks are even greater. He stressed the need to defend values and set clear boundaries when those values are threatened.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Concerns have already been raised over high-ticket prices and travel restrictions that could prevent fans from certain countries from attending.
Göttlich acknowledged that his stance may face opposition from DFB.