A coalition of British politicians has launched a dramatic intervention, demanding that football's world governing body, FIFA, expel the United States from hosting and participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This move comes just five months before the global tournament is set to kick off across North America.
Cross-Party Motion Condemns US Actions
The motion, signed by 23 politicians from the Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and Plaid Cymru, was tabled in the UK parliament. It urges major international sporting bodies to suspend the United States, arguing that mega-events like the World Cup "should not be used to legitimise or normalise violations of international law by powerful states."
The politicians specifically point to the recent escalation of U.S. actions against Venezuela, including the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces in Caracas earlier this month. They label this event a "kidnapping" and express grave concern over subsequent comments from President Donald Trump and other U.S. officials regarding invading other sovereign states.
World Cup Logistics and Trump's FIFA Peace Prize
The demand poses a significant threat to the upcoming tournament's structure. The 2026 World Cup is a joint venture between the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with the bulk of matches scheduled on American soil. Of the 104 total fixtures, 78 are to be hosted in the U.S., including every single knockout match. Canada and Mexico are each set to host 13 games.
The political motion creates a stark contrast with FIFA's recent engagement with the U.S. President. Merely one month ago, at the World Cup draw ceremony in Washington, FIFA awarded Donald Trump its inaugural "Peace Prize," praising his efforts to reduce global conflict. This award, already controversial, now faces heightened scrutiny in light of the UK politicians' claims.
Potential Fallout and Wider Sporting Implications
Should FIFA heed the call and suspend the U.S., it would plunge the 2026 World Cup into unprecedented chaos mere months before the first whistle. Finding alternative venues for 78 matches, including all critical knockout rounds, would be a logistical nightmare.
However, analysts suggest such a drastic step is unlikely due to the close relationship between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump. The motion acknowledges this but warns that other sporting bodies may yet act. It raises direct questions about whether Los Angeles should retain the right to host the 2028 Olympic Games if the U.S.'s political trajectory continues.
The motion concludes by condemning what it describes as "repeated veiled and overt threats made by senior U.S. officials" towards nations including Denmark, Colombia, and Cuba, referencing Trump's stated desire to 'acquire' Greenland. This UK political challenge ensures the spotlight will remain firmly on the intersection of global sports and geopolitics as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
