European nation ‘make stance clear’ on World Cup boycott amid FIFA Trump criticism

March 25, 2026 Oliver Obel

Sweden will not pursue a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the head of its football federation, even as political controversy continues to surround the tournament.

Swedish Football Association president Simon Åström told broadcaster TV4 that participation remains the preferred approach, pushing back on growing speculation that nations could withdraw over geopolitical tensions tied to the event.

“Basically, we have a very clear position that we share with the entire Swedish sports movement. We do not believe in boycotts as a tool. It is better to participate and be there,” Åström said.

Debate around the 2026 World Cup to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico has intensified in recent months. International media reports have pointed to a mix of global conflicts and domestic US political issues as potential flashpoints, prompting discussion within football about whether teams should take a stand.

Still, Sweden’s position sets it apart from some of that broader speculation. Åström emphasized that engagement allows countries to maintain influence, though he acknowledged that extreme circumstances could change the calculation.

“However, events can occur that make it impossible to participate. Exactly where that limit lies is difficult to define. It will always be about assessing the current situation,” he said.

Questions about participation have not been limited to Europe. Iran, which has already qualified for the tournament, has also been the subject of speculation. However, the president of Iran’s football federation has rejected suggestions of a withdrawal, saying the country “will not boycott the World Cup,” according to widely reported comments in international outlets.

Åström also used the interview to criticize FIFA’s recent initiatives, including its decision to award a newly created “FIFA Peace Prize” to former US president Donald Trump in 2025 a move he argued risks blurring the line between sport and politics.

“That is something we do not sympathise with,” he said. “We have clearly expressed our criticism of FIFA and have also made it public.”

He pointed to FIFA’s own statutes, which describe football as a unifying force, adding that introducing politically charged symbolism undermines that principle.

“But the very fact that you award a peace prize or market this new ‘Board of Peace’ is a clear violation of becoming political. We don’t think it’s the right way to go,” Åström said.

FIFA’s code of ethics states that officials should remain politically neutral in their dealings and act in line with the organization’s integrity standards.

On the field, Sweden still has work to do to reach the tournament. The team is set to face Ukraine in a UEFA play-off in Valencia, with the winner advancing to a decisive match against either Poland or Albania.

For now, Sweden’s message is consistent: despite the political noise surrounding the 2026 World Cup, participation not protest remains its guiding principle.

Sources: TV4, FIFA Code of Ethics, SPORTbible