Donald Trump holds the World Cup trophy

23 British lawmakers demand banning the United States from the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is still two and a half years away. But even before the battle on the field begins, the heat of global politics has spread to the highest level of football. A group of MPs from various political parties in the UK have demanded that the United States be banned from the 2026 World Cup due to US President Donald Trump's recent military and diplomatic activities.

According to a BBC report, a total of 23 MPs from Labor, Liberal Democrats, Green Party and Plaid Cymru have signed a motion in parliament. It has been called for considering the expulsion of the United States from major international sporting events, including the World Cup, accusing it of violating international law and the sovereignty of other countries.

Tensions after US operation in Venezuela
The debate began this month when US forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a surprise operation in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has called it a “direct aggression” and a serious violation of international law.

The US claims that Maduro is an “illegitimate leader” who is involved in drug trafficking and terrorist activities. The White House has called it a law enforcement operation. However, Maduro has claimed that he is a prisoner of war.

The incident has caused a stir in the UN Security Council. At an emergency meeting, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply concerned that the US operation did not respect the basic rules of international law.

Threat of war vs. ‘Peace Prize’
Another aspect of the incident is further embarrassing for the sports world. Last December, FIFA awarded Donald Trump its first “Peace Prize” at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington. FIFA said that Trump deserved the recognition for his role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians.

But within weeks, the US has launched military operations in Venezuela and Nigeria. Not only that, Trump has also hinted at possible military action against Greenland, Mexico, Colombia and Iran.

In this context, British MPs said in a joint statement that international events like the World Cup or the Olympics cannot be allowed to be a tool for a powerful state to violate its laws.

Concerns about Mexico, Colombia and Greenland
Trump accused Mexico of drug trafficking into the United States and said, "We have to do something." After news of the plan to send US troops emerged, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum made it clear that she rejected any US military operation on Mexican territory.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro told the BBC that there was a "real threat" of a US military operation. According to him, Washington could take military action under the pretext of drug trafficking.

Meanwhile, Trump's statement about Greenland has also increased concerns in Europe. He spoke of the need to take control of the region under the pretext of national security. He did not rule out the possibility of using military force if necessary. Mineral-rich Greenland is currently controlled by Denmark, a NATO member state.

FIFA and IOC policy conflict
FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned Russia from the World Cup and Olympics for its invasion of Ukraine. Taking up this issue, British MP Brian Leishman has raised the question, why the policy that applies to Russia does not apply to America?

However, FIFA has not commented publicly on the issue. Trump's close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino has made the issue even more sensitive.

The IOC has already said that there will be no obstacles to the participation of American athletes in the Winter Olympics to be held in Italy. In a statement given to BBC Sport, the IOC said, "The athletes' reunion is important to us. Politics is out of our control. The Olympics are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles in 2028."

Big test ahead
International sports organization analyst John Zerafa believes that the situation ahead for FIFA and the IOC could be more complicated. He said that the charters of these organizations speak of peace, sovereignty and non-discrimination. If the United States uses force in Greenland, which is part of NATO, would the same policy be effective?

Trump's strict immigration policy before the start of the World Cup is also raising concerns. Supporters from Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast are facing full or partial travel bans.

Although FIFA and the US authorities have repeatedly assured that they will organize a united and friendly World Cup, in reality the distance between politics and sports is gradually closing. The world is now looking at how this political unrest will ultimately affect football on the field.