Europe shows limited appetite for boycott as 2026 World Cup becomes a political football

A group of European football officials discusses the implications of the 2026 World Cup, surrounded by banners and flags representing various nations, as they weigh the potential for a boycott over human rights concerns.

In recent months, prominent figures and organizations have voiced their concerns. For instance, human rights groups have highlighted issues such as labor rights and discrimination in the context of the ongoing preparations for the tournament. Despite these calls for action, there has been a notable lack of consensus among European governments regarding a potential boycott. …