Growing Calls for Boycotts: Nations Weigh Participation in 2026 World Cup
As anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup, a shadow looms over the tournament: the prospect of boycotts from several national teams in response to the political climate in the United States. Co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the event now faces significant challenges as some supporters consider skipping the trip amid ongoing tensions fueled by former President Donald Trump.
Currently, fans from four nations—Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast—are outright barred from entering the U.S. for the tournament due to a combination of full and partial travel bans. Meanwhile, discussions about boycotting the event have emerged among several geopolitical players, including the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain, each voicing their concerns for various reasons.
While fans from other countries are technically still permitted to attend all matches, a pervasive sense of unease persists. For many, the thought of crossing the Atlantic to a nation they perceive as unfriendly under Trump’s administration raises considerable safety concerns.
Voices from Denmark: Potential Boycott on the Horizon
In Denmark, the matter is already garnering attention. The official LGBTQ+ fan group for England, Three Lions Pride, has confirmed they will not travel to the U.S. due to worries about the safety and acceptance of their community. Should Denmark secure their place in the tournament through the upcoming playoffs, a similar sentiment could grip Danish fans.
Anja Lilli Beikes, a board member of the Danish Football Fan Federation, recently shared her insights with The Telegraph. She noted, “The U.S. is very unpopular in Denmark at the moment. Over the past year, Danish travel agencies have seen a significant drop in sales for trips to the U.S.” She further observed that discussions around a potential boycott are widespread among football fans, many feeling disillusioned with FIFA’s decisions as well.
“The sentiment among Danish fans isn’t optimistic,” Beikes added. “I don’t believe many will make the journey to the World Cup if we qualify. Some might consider heading to the matches in Mexico, but I suspect the turnout in the U.S. will be minimal. Personally, I think it might be better if we don’t qualify at all.”
These concerns are amplified by Trump’s controversial remarks about Greenland, a territory that has been part of the Kingdom of Denmark for centuries. In recent statements, Trump suggested a desire for the U.S. to gain control over the territory, even hinting at taking “excessive force” to do so. Though he appeared to temper his stance after talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, tensions remain high.
The Path to Qualification: Denmark’s Route to the World Cup
For Denmark, their road to the 2026 World Cup hinges on upcoming UEFA playoffs. After a particularly disappointing final group match, which saw them lose 4-2 to Scotland, their chances of automatic qualification evaporated. They now face North Macedonia in the semi-finals on March 26, a pivotal encounter for their World Cup ambitions.
Should Denmark navigate the playoffs successfully, they would find themselves grouped with Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea. Notably, they would engage in just one match on U.S. soil, with further games scheduled in Mexico. However, if they progress beyond the group stage, a potential round-of-32 tie would again place them in the United States, a situation that many fans are watching closely.
With Denmark’s history as resilient underdogs in international tournaments, hopes for their performance are high—yet so too are the considerations for their supporters back home. As the 2026 World Cup draws nearer, the question remains: how many fans are willing to undertake the journey, and at what cost to their principles?
