World Cup: German star addresses Trump’s conduct ahead of 2026

January 30, 2026 Oliver Obel

German midfielder Leon Goretzka has acknowledged that political tensions surrounding the United States are difficult to separate from preparations for the 2026 World Cup, even as he insists the tournament itself can still serve as a unifying moment for the sport.

Speaking to the German newspaper Die Zeit, the Bayern Munich player became one of the first active footballers from a qualified nation to comment publicly on the political climate facing players and fans travelling to North America.

Football meets politics in North America

The expanded 48-team World Cup will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with organisers promoting it as a landmark event for the game. Off the pitch, however, developments in US politics have increasingly shaped discussion around the tournament.

Concerns have included travel restrictions affecting certain countries and safety fears among supporters. Incidents involving US Immigration and Customs Enforcement have been reported by European and American media outlets and have contributed to unease among some travelling fans.

At the same time, President Donald Trump has reignited diplomatic tensions with Europe. In late 2025, he publicly threatened to withdraw American support for Ukraine in its war with Russia and repeated his intention to bring Greenland—an autonomous territory of Denmark—under US control. Those remarks prompted criticism from several European governments, including Denmark and Norway.

Goretzka: “We feel European”

Against that backdrop, Goretzka said players are aware of the wider political debate but remain focused on football.

“Of course, I’m aware of the political debates,” he told Die Zeit. “I still expect it to be a great tournament – it will promote football there, and show many people want an incredibly exciting game.

“Donald Trump makes us feel not only German but also European.”

Goretzka has previously spoken publicly on social and political issues, including racism and climate change, which has made his comments particularly notable as the World Cup approaches.

Germany rejects boycott talk

Political discussion has also surfaced within German football itself. Oke Göttlich, the president of Bundesliga club St Pauli, recently suggested that Germany should consider boycotting the tournament, drawing parallels with the US-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics. His remarks were reported by several German media outlets.

The German Football Association dismissed the suggestion, describing the idea as misguided. Goretzka echoed that position, expressing confidence in Europe’s continued strength on the pitch.

“In the most important game in the world, we [Europe] are still ahead of all other continents,” he said. “Far from being left behind, Europe will show everyone what it’s made of on the pitch.”

Attention turns back to the tournament

Germany have already secured qualification and have been drawn in Group E alongside Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador. They are expected to progress from the group stage, with their opening match scheduled against Curaçao.

For players and supporters alike, the challenge in 2026 may be navigating a charged political environment while keeping focus on the football once the tournament begins.

Sources: Die Zeit

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