This time, Trump’s ’attack’ on football, England-Scotland may boycott the World Cup

There are still five months left for the 2026 Football World Cup. However, in the meantime, a new controversy has arisen in the political context surrounding this World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico for the first time with the participation of 48 teams. However, it is not because of football; rather, the call for a World Cup boycott has arisen again due to the recent behavior of US President Donald Trump.

British media 'GB News' reported that England and Scotland have been called upon to withdraw from the World Cup to be held in Canada and Mexico, along with the main host country, the United States, this year in June, from various political circles in the two countries. Even British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been called upon to intervene in the matter.

Recently, 79-year-old Trump has raised questions in the minds of people by going against the position of most countries around the world. Reminding him of that, British political leaders have said that participating in the World Cup may not be appropriate in such a situation—although these proposals are not official decisions by sports authorities or football federations.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday night, former Conservative minister Simon Hoare suggested that UK teams could boycott the World Cup in protest at Trump's behaviour. Hoare took a personal swipe at Trump, according to The Mirror, saying: "He (Trump) is easily insulted, he has an ego and he can't stand insults."

He then raised the issue of boycotting the World Cup, saying: "Should there be a state visit this year? Should our football teams play in American stadiums? These are all things that would embarrass the president in his own country. Now we have to fight fire with fire."

This view was supported by Luke Taylor of the Liberal Democrats. He asked Starmer and other members of the government: "I agree with (Mr Hoare) and I would like to ask the government: will they consider cancelling the King's visit to the US and boycotting the World Cup? Because Donald Trump only responds to his own ego.'

The call for a boycott has been linked to Trump's political activities, especially his aggressive plans for Greenland and threatening comments about European countries. Opposition politicians believe that an environment should not be created in front of international players and spectators where political tensions overshadow the joy of the game.

Meanwhile, the extent to which such an initiative will be supported by ordinary football fans is still questionable. A Scottish team also made similar comments, although their main purpose was to show support for the main event.

Meanwhile, the World Cup was scheduled for December last year. Other teams participating in the tournament, including England and Scotland, are already preparing for it and have not yet announced any formal boycott or withdrawal. International football body FIFA and other relevant authorities have not directly responded to this.

The connection between football and political issues is not a new issue, but the debate has become a long-standing topic of discussion, with political pressure on the 2026 World Cup forecast.