The Union and the SPD are both against a boycott of the 2026 World Cup in the United States. CDU politician Christoph Ploß told “Der Spiegel” that a boycott would be a “silly idea” because it would punish players and undermine the fundamental purpose of a global sporting event: bringing athletes and fans from around the world together to interact. Ploß argues that in today’s world, intercultural meetings are more important than ever, and that players should be able to focus on football rather than political controversies, as happened at the Qatar tournament.
On the other side, Bettina Lugk, the SPD’s sports‑policy spokesperson, said she would personally avoid attending the tournament, but she rejected a blanket boycott. She explained that the debate over a possible boycott came amid intense U.S. foreign‑policy threats, and she believes the current tensions have not yet reached a level that would make a boycott necessary. Lugk said the discussion was therefore not productive. She also asked the German Football Association (DFB) to adopt a clearer, more critical stance toward the U.S., noting that the recently created FIFA Peace Prize for the U.S. president was something she would have preferred to see criticized by the DFB.
Lugk added that she would not visit the U.S. for the World Cup, citing the still‑turbulent domestic situation there. She raised concerns about uncertain entry regulations, safety, and fan conditions, and mentioned that people could be denied entry solely on the basis of nationality. She argued that such circumstances are not conducive to the spirit of a football festival that should unite people.
