Oke Göttlich, a German soccer federation vice president and St. Pauli president, has called for a World Cup boycott over U.S. President Donald Trump's policies. He cites Trump's Greenland takeover bid and tariff threats on European allies, arguing the geopolitical risk surpasses the 1980s Olympic boycotts.

The 2026 World Cup is a joint host with Canada and Mexico. Göttlich's stance, echoing the federation's past Qatar criticism, faces resistance from federation president Bernd Neuendorf and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. France's sport minister has not ruled out a future boycott but isn't considering one now.

Göttlich dismissed concerns about his club's players, prioritizing global values over sporting careers. His call reignites debate on sports' political role, contrasting with the apolitical stance some advocate post-Qatar. The discussion will likely intensify as the tournament approaches, testing the unity of European soccer bodies.