The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The U.S. is scheduled to host the largest number of matches. However, the Trump administration’s immigration policies and ICE raids could become a hindrance to participants.
Soccer experts have expressed their concerns amid growing political turbulence in the U.S., with the FIFA tournament facing potential backlash, as some have already called for a boycott. The recent killings of civilians Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of ICE added to these concerns. Swiss lawyer Mark Pieth, who has worked closely with FIFA, has raised concerns over safety regulations.
Commenting on the recent ICE shootings, Pieth recalled “the marginalization of political opponents, abuses by immigration services” in the U.S. He warned fans that they could get into trouble with the authorities and be flown back home, “if they are lucky.” His comments are backed by former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who urged fans to “stay away from the USA.”
“For the fans, there’s only one piece of advice: stay away from the USA!” I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup. #MarkPieth #GianniInfantino #DonaldTrump #FIFAWorldCup2026 #USA
— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) January 26, 2026
Trump’s recent threats to Canada concerning a 100% trade tariff have intensified the situation even further. Oke Gottlich, vice-president of the German Football Association and president of Bundesliga club FC St. Pauli, didn’t shy away from expressing his disdain for the Trump government.
He believes the threat is bigger than when the Olympic Games were boycotted in the 1980s. “By my reckoning, the potential threat is greater now than it was then. We need to have this discussion …I would like to know from Donald Trump when he has reached his taboo, and I would like to know from Bernd Neuendorf and Gianni Infantino.” Gottlich added.
Just remember FIFA won’t cancel the games in the United States, they are supporters of Trump.
If the world actually wants to make a statement that would truly embarrass Trump, it wouldn’t be hashtags or speeches.
It would be a global boycott of a World Cup hosted in the United… pic.twitter.com/GZTydJWygL
— guyfelicella🇨🇦🍁 (@guyfelicella) January 28, 2026
Not too long ago, the Trump administration imposed bans on two African countries that house a large number of fans, Senegal and the Ivory Coast. Fans have been barred from attending their teams’ matches unless they already hold visas. Iran and Haiti are two other countries that qualified for the World Cup, but their fans are also not allowed to enter the U.S.
Julius Malema, South Africa’s main opposition leader, has urged the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the national football team to abstain from taking part in the tournament. Trump’s threats to invade Greenland led British lawmakers in the House of Commons to ask England and Scotland to withhold participation in the World Cup.
Despite important football voices calling for a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Gianni Infantino, the current president of the organization, maintains a close relationship with President Trump and awarded him the prestigious FIFA Peace Prize in 2025.
