French FA President: "Politics Should Not Be Mixed with Sport" Amid World Cup Boycott Calls

The French Football Federation (FFF) has settled the debate surrounding calls to boycott the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted for the first time in the tournament's history by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The FFF affirmed its commitment to the participation of the French national team in the global football spectacle.

Recent weeks have seen a rise in political voices in several European countries, notably France and Germany, as well as nations from the Americas, demanding a boycott of the World Cup. These calls were in protest of US President Donald Trump's policies, both political and sports-related, in addition to restrictions on granting entry visas to foreign fans.

In this context, French MP Éric Coquerel, from the 'La France Insoumise' party, urged FIFA to withdraw the hosting rights from the United States and limit the tournament to Canada and Mexico.

However, French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo put an end to the speculation, confirming in statements to the newspaper 'Ouest-France' that the federation's position is clear and firm, approximately five months before the tournament, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Diallo stated: "My principled position is not to mix politics with sport. Sport is a space that brings people together regardless of their origins, religions, or beliefs. The World Cup must remain a football competition that unites peoples and culminates in one team being crowned champion."

The FFF president emphasized that his country sees no justification for a boycott, asserting that France's participation in the World Cup is decided and not open to interpretation.

He added: "Naturally, we are closely monitoring international developments, but at present, the French Football Federation has no intention of boycotting the World Cup in the United States."

French media noted that this stance contradicts the views of some voices within Germany, where German Football Association Vice President Uki Göttlich believes the idea of a boycott should be taken more seriously.

It is worth noting that the draw for the 2026 World Cup placed the French national team in Group 10, alongside Senegal and Norway, in addition to a team that will qualify via the playoffs, which will see the participation of the Iraq national team in March 2026.