With relations between Europe and the United States strained, calls for a Europe-led boycott of World Cup 2026 are beginning to gain traction in some quarters. I wouldn’t like it if this happens as we won’t have a World Cup, which is always a highlight in sports and I love it. That meeting could prove decisive in any efforts to form a European alliance to boycott the tournament. With 16 of the 48 teams at the World Cup and the world’s most powerful club sides from Europe, any move by the continent’s associations would likely see the rest of the footballing world take notice — with some possibly to follow. “We do not believe that an isolated boycott on the part of NFF is an effective means of lasting change.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 22, 2026 14:35 UTC