Infantino Defends Trump, Warns European Nations: "Boycotting 2026 World Cup Will Fuel More Hatred"

03 February 2026at09:50

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has warned that boycotting the 2026 World Cup matches in the United States, a move supported by European officials in protest of US President Donald Trump's threats, would only lead to "more hatred."

Speaking to British broadcaster Sky News, Infantino affirmed, "I am against bans and boycotts alike, and I believe they bring nothing... rather, they only contribute to more hatred."

The FIFA President drew a comparison to the significant trade relations between the United Kingdom and the United States, asking, "Does anyone ask the United Kingdom to stop trading with the United States? I haven't heard anything like that, so why football then?" Infantino added that "in our divided and aggressive world, we need occasions where people can come together around the passion of football."

Calls for a boycott of the 2026 World Cup, which the United States, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting from June 11 to July 19, began last January in Germany and France. These calls emerged in response to tensions sparked by the US President's desire to acquire Greenland and his threats to impose increased tariffs on opposing European nations.

Furthermore, the US government's immigration policy and the methods of immigration police in Minneapolis (northeast) are causing widespread concern both domestically and internationally regarding the safety conditions for millions of fans expected to attend this summer in the United States. In late January, Sepp Blatter, Infantino's predecessor as FIFA President, conveyed a call from a renowned Swiss anti-corruption lawyer to "avoid the United States" this summer.

Additionally, Gianni Infantino defended his widely criticized decision to award the first "FIFA Peace Prize" to Trump last December. Trump boasts of having ended several conflicts since his return to power in January 2025.

The Swiss-Italian President, who regularly demonstrates his closeness to the US President, stated, "Objectively, he deserves it," emphasizing that "everything we can do to help achieve peace in the world, we must do."

Q&A

Why is FIFA President Gianni Infantino against boycotting the 2026 World Cup?

Gianni Infantino opposes boycotts, arguing they "bring nothing" and "only contribute to more hatred." He emphasized the need for unity through football in a divided world, citing trade relations as a comparison.

What issues are fueling calls for a boycott of the 2026 World Cup in the United States?

Calls for a boycott stem from US President Donald Trump's desire to acquire Greenland, threats of increased tariffs on European nations, and widespread concerns over US immigration policy and fan safety.

FIFA World Cup