In recent days, numerous calls have emerged urging major European national teams to withdraw from the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, in protest against the policies of US President Donald Trump.
The renowned British journalist James Morgan launched a campaign against the participation of his country and other major teams in the tournament, at a time when criticism of the Trump administration for barring African fans from attending their countries’ matches has not ceased.
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari responded to these calls, confirming that the French national team will participate in the 2026 World Cup, indicating that there is no intention to take this step, given President Emmanuel Macron and his administration’s belief in separating politics from sports.
On the other hand, the German Ministry of Sport adopted a neutral stance on the crisis, with Minister Christiane Schneiderlin confirming that the final decision rests with the German Football Association and FIFA.
German media had ruled out the possibility of Germany taking this step, citing the German government’s reluctance to enter into a direct confrontation with the United States by bringing politics into the world of football.
It is worth noting that the United States has barred citizens of several African, Asian, and Caribbean countries from obtaining visas to enter the US to attend matches. This means that teams like Senegal, Iran, Cape Verde, and others will only be able to attend the World Cup with their coaching staff, management, players, and a few friends, without the usual fan support in the stands.
