The French government has no intention of boycotting the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, in response to Donald Trump's threats to annex Greenland, according to France's sports minister. Marina Ferrari stated that as things stand, there is no desire from the ministry for a boycott of the competition, which will be held from 11 June to 19 July across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Trump has targeted France among eight European countries threatened with tariffs for opposing his push to take over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. The remarks from Ferrari came after a senior far-left French politician, Éric Coquerel, suggested the US should be stripped of co-hosting rights. Coquerel questioned how France could participate in a World Cup hosted by a country that 'attacks its neighbours, threatens to invade Greenland, and rides roughshod over international law.'
Ferrari emphasised the importance of keeping sport separate from politics, describing the World Cup as an extremely important moment for sports lovers. However, she did not rule out future changes, noting that she would not anticipate what could happen. Meanwhile, veteran French coach Claude Le Roy, who led Cameroon to the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations title, suggested African teams should boycott the tournament due to Trump's behaviour towards the continent.
The French position contrasts with that of Germany, where the government has distanced itself from any decision on a boycott. Christiane Schenderlein, Germany's state minister for sports, stated that decisions on participation or boycotts lie solely with sports associations, not politicians, and should be made by the German FA and Fifa. Fifa president Gianni Infantino has maintained a close relationship with Trump, even creating a special 'Fifa Peace Prize' awarded to Trump at the World Cup draw in December.
