FIFA and UEFA concerned over Greenland crisis impact on World Cup 2026

January 21, 2026 • 0 • min read

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FIFA and UEFA concerned over Greenland crisis impact on World Cup 2026

Senior figures at FIFA and UEFA are increasingly worried about the potential fallout from the United States' interest in Greenland, with sources describing officials at the top of both organisations as "very concerned" about the knock-on effect for the 2026 World Cup and the wider global game.

Whilst no official meetings have been confirmed and neither federation has made any public statement, the situation is already being viewed internally as an unprecedented diplomatic headache.

And with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the centre of decision-making, many within football's corridors of power are privately asking the same question: "What happens if the crisis escalates - and what is Infantino prepared to do about it?"

A World Cup at the centre of a diplomatic crisis

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to be the biggest and most lucrative tournament in FIFA's history.

With global sponsorship, broadcasting deals and an expanded format driving revenues, the event represents a commercial juggernaut, but also a major vulnerability.

Sources suggest that if tensions involving Greenland worsen, the World Cup could become an "obvious point of leverage" for European federations and national governments, potentially leading to discussions around boycotts or other collective action.

The idea of threatening a boycott has already been reported as being raised in German political circles, whilst a petition in the Netherlands has further highlighted the unease across Europe.

As one observer put it, referencing FairSquare executive Nick McGeehan:

It would be remarkable if European leaders weren't seriously discussing a boycott as an option.

The concern, senior figures say, isn't just theoretical. In the event of any dramatic escalation, such as an invasion scenario, officials believe pressure would be immediate, and intense.

Why officials are watching Infantino closely

In most sporting crises, federations can present themselves as victims of events beyond their control.

However, sources argue that FIFA's situation is complicated by Infantino's perceived proximity to Donald Trump, with insiders suggesting the president is "hoping this ultimately passes" as previous political flare-ups often have.

That assumption is risky.

One source familiar with how senior figures view the situation said:

He simply has to be worried about what next.

The issue, critics argue, is structural as well as political. FIFA's governance is heavily centralised around its president, leaving little room for robust internal debate or contingency planning.

In the words of one senior executive:

This is why they didn't make themselves political. It's Harold Macmillan: events, dear boy, events.

The Russia precedent leaves little breathing space

One major fear inside football governance is the precedent created by FIFA and UEFA's ban of Russia.

Sources suggest that decision has effectively removed the "wiggle room" traditionally available to sporting bodies when faced with geopolitical conflict.

Officials are aware that if there is perceived inconsistency - especially involving Western nations - pressure from federations, fans and governments could be overwhelming.

Several senior figures believe a European bloc, and possibly UEFA as a whole, may be forced to form a clear stance early, regardless of FIFA's preference to stay quiet.

Solidarity with Denmark is also seen as a major factor.

Some of the situation was reportedly discussed informally between around 20 federations at an event marking the 150th anniversary of Hungary's football federation, underlining how seriously the subject is being taken.

Could the World Cup really be moved?

For now, most officials are speaking only in "hypotheticals," and no federation is openly listing "red lines."

But sources say the worst-case scenario would create pressure for FIFA to act decisively, including calls from more abrasive insiders to threaten moving the tournament.

That would be extraordinary, and financially devastating.

As McGeehan noted, Trump remains "at heart a ratings man," and any European boycott would cripple the spectacle.

A European boycott kills this World Cup and would deprive him of his role in the "greatest show on earth."

Beyond that, a boycott would provoke anger in the host cities, and among sponsors and broadcasters.

With the tournament's commercial engine dependent on global participation and viewing figures, even the suggestion of disruption could send shockwaves through FIFA's stakeholder network - from broadcasters to brands and host city organisers.

For fans hoping to attend, the uncertainty is already prompting some to consider securing tickets early and planning flexible travel options.

Those exploring resale options should stick to established platforms - for example, some supporters have been monitoring availability through official resale markets and partners such as StubHub.

'Sporting diplomacy' - or a risky political gamble?

Infantino has often presented football as a tool to unite the world, repeatedly describing the World Cup as a global moment capable of bringing people together.

In 2023, he called this very tournament:

The biggest moment in history... a moment that brings the whole world together.

But critics say that worldview - combined with his willingness to engage with political leaders - has effectively politicised FIFA's role far beyond what previous administrations attempted.

Within FIFA, supporters of Infantino argue he has no choice but to navigate relationships with powerful world leaders, including autocratic figures, claiming engagement may help curb excesses and open lines of communication.

Sceptics are less charitable.

Some football insiders are openly scathing about what they describe as Infantino's geopolitical "cosplaying," with one source bluntly claiming:

He thinks he rubs shoulders with Trump and MBS, whereas they see him as a useful idiot.

Ripple effects already being felt in football

The uncertainty is reportedly already affecting football business too.

Sources say US investors had been exploring opportunities in Danish clubs - attracted by Denmark's football structure and access to European competition - but at least one negotiation has been paused amid concern over what happens next.

For now, football appears to be doing what much of the world is doing: waiting - and hoping.

And according to insiders, nobody is watching events more nervously than the FIFA president who brought the tournament to the United States in the first place.

Because if politics is truly unavoidable, then football's biggest test may not arrive on the pitch, but in the weeks and months before the first ball is even kicked.

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