Boycott World Cup: Donald Trump’s Mexico Threats and Minneapolis Unrest Trigger Global Ticket Cancellations

The "United" vision of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is facing its most significant challenge to date as a wave of international boycotts and ticket cancellations gains momentum. Tensions have escalated following recent statements from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding potential military operations against drug cartels in Mexico, a primary partner in hosting the tournament. This geopolitical friction, coupled with growing unease over U.S. immigration enforcement, has led thousands of overseas fans and several high-profile delegates to reconsider their attendance. FIFA World Cup 2026 Faces Mass Ticket Cancellations as Overseas Fans Cite Safety Concerns Following Minneapolis Shooting Incident.

The movement, which has gained traction on social media under the hashtag #BoycottWorldCup, marks a sharp departure from the "unity" theme that helped the U.S., Canada, and Mexico secure the hosting rights in 2018.

Threats to Co-Host Sovereignty

The primary driver of the current unrest is the U.S. administration's rhetoric concerning Mexico. President Trump recently indicated a readiness to "attack on land" to combat criminal networks, a move that critics argue violates the sovereignty of a tournament partner.

The statements have sparked outrage in Mexico City and among international observers. Analysts warn that such friction undermines the logistical and diplomatic coordination required for a tri-nation event. British politician George Galloway and former U.S. vice-presidential candidate Ajamu Baraka are among the prominent voices urging the global community to "disassociate" from the tournament in protest.

Security Concerns and Ticket Cancellations

Beyond high-level politics, individual fans are citing personal safety as a reason for withdrawal. More than 10,000 international ticket holders have reportedly cancelled their bookings, influenced by recent federal enforcement actions in the U.S., including a fatal shooting involving ICE agents in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026.

Mohamad Safa, a Lebanese diplomat and executive director of Patriotic Vision (PVA), publicly announced his cancellation, stating the current environment makes the U.S. "unsafe to visit." Safa’s concerns regarding potential arbitrary detentions and strict visa vetting have resonated with travelers from the Middle East and Latin America, further fueling the boycott.

FIFA’s Position Amid Turbulence

Despite the mounting pressure, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has maintained a close relationship with the U.S. administration. FIFA officials recently dismissed threats that matches could be moved away from specific "unsafe" Democratic-led cities, asserting that the governing body retains sole jurisdiction over venue selection.

However, to address the growing backlash over accessibility, FIFA recently introduced a "Supporter Entry Tier" with tickets priced at $60. While intended to appease fans, the move has done little to quiet the larger political and safety-related protests currently dominating the headlines.

A Tournament Under Scrutiny

The 2026 World Cup was intended to be a "reset" for FIFA following the controversies of Qatar 2022. Instead, it is becoming a lightning rod for debates over human rights, regional stability, and the weaponization of international sport. ‘Cartels Are Running Mexico’: Donald Trump Slams Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum After US Delta Force Captures Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro (Watch Video).

With the opening match just months away, host committees in all three nations are working to reassure the public that the event will remain a "seamless experience." Nevertheless, for a growing number of international fans, the current political climate has already overshadowed the "beautiful game."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 10, 2026 08:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).