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At the opening DFL meeting of 2026, German FA representative Bernd Neuendorf addressed for the first time the possibility of a World Cup boycott.

The German Football Association (DFB) has finally spoken out regarding the possibility of boycotting the upcoming World Cup, which will take place in the United States this summer, with some matches also held in Mexico and Canada.

Addressing a meeting of the German Football League (DFL) on Monday,DFB PresidentBernd Neuendorf stated: “I don’t consider this to be a significant discussion, as I believe the DFB shares a unified perspective that this conversation is entirely off-track at this moment.”

The president of DFL, Hans-Joachim Watzke, who was also at the gathering, stated that it is not the right moment to address such an issue.

“When the moment is appropriate, we’ll address it, but in my opinion, it’s entirely misplaced at this time,” Watzke stated.

He received backing from Bayern Munich’s CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, who mentioned the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where all teams competed four years after the host country took over Crimea from Ukraine. Dreesen stated he doesn’t understand why Germany shouldn’t take part in this year’s event and emphasized that geopolitical issues should be addressed elsewhere.

Boycott calls growing

Demand for a boycott is increasing in both Germany and Europe. in light of The stance of US President Donald Trump regarding Greenlandand, more recently, following a second tragic shooting in the city ofMinneapolis by members of ICE.

The general impression is that due totheir demonstration in Qatar and due to the diminished strength of the European Union, a boycott is still unlikely. However, this has not prevented even some voices within the DFB from expressing their opinions. DFB Vice President andSt PauliChairman Oke Göttlich reinforced his stance regarding the matter during the DFL event.

“Personally, I would recommend avoiding travel due to the present conditions in the country (USA),” Göttlich statedSportschau.

“I might not agree with several of my colleagues. However, I am also a democrat who can comprehend that, ultimately, the majority might believe that a boycott is perhaps not the appropriate message for German football to convey,” he added.

Neuendorf expressed criticism towards Göttlich for not addressing his emotions with the DFB initially.

“He hasn’t been part of our group for very long. However, typically, we address such matters in committees, so to speak, and then arrive at a decision. Regrettably, he has now acted prematurely on this matter,” Neuendorf stated.

Former FIFA President Sepp BlatterRecently shared on social media that he also backs a fan-led boycott of the World Cup.Some supporters are unable to attend because of new travel restrictions.from the present US government.

Edited by: Chuck Penfold

Author: Jonathan Harding