French Government Issue Statement on Boycotting World Cup After Trump Threats

The French government have released a statement over potentially boycotting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The tournament is due to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.

There have been growing geopolitical concerns among European leaders surrounding US President Donald Trump's stance over Greenland - which belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark - in recent weeks.

Trump has repeatedly stated that he wants the US to take over Greenland, and threatened to impose trade tariffs on eight nations - including the UK, Germany and France - who have opposed his stance.

But on Wednesday night, Trump appeared to row back on that stance following talks with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte.

He announced on his Truth Social platform that he had held a 'very productive meeting' with Rutte, adding that they had agreed to form 'the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, indeed, the entire Arctic region'.

BREAKING: Trump drops Feb 1 tariffs says he’s formed framework for deal with Rutte/ NATO. There’ll be cries of TACO (Trump always chickens out). But obv huge relief for UK. Let’s see what deal is, cos earlier he was talking abt buying Greenland. No ref to Danes/Greenlanders here pic.twitter.com/3yuMKsPW5j

— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) January 21, 2026

He confirmed that he would be reversing plans to impose tariffs on the eight European countries.

Tensions had grown to such a point earlier in the week that The Guardian reported a meeting had been held between 20 football association heads.

It was claimed that, among other topics, the implications of the World Cup was part of the agenda in the event of Trump's intentions over Greenland escalating.

Those tensions appear to have calmed but, in any case, the French government stated on Wednesday - before Trump's latest announcement - that they had no plans for the France national team to boycott the World Cup.

Sports minister Marina Ferrari stated: "As it stands now, there is no desire from the ministry for a boycott of this great competition.

"Now, I will not anticipate what could happen, but I have also heard voices raised from certain political blocs.

"I am one who believes in keeping sport separate [from politics]. The World Cup is an extremely important moment for those who love sport."

The Dutch FA (KNVB) confirmed on Tuesday that they also had no plans to boycott the tournament.

KNVB secretary general, Gijs de Jong, told the KNVB's official website: "We closely monitor international developments, in consultation with FIFA, UEFA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and local embassies.

"It is up to the Dutch government to determine its position on international political developments.

"We always follow the guidelines of the Dutch government and those of FIFA and UEFA. If they indicate that travel to or playing in a certain region is not permitted, we do not go."