France’s sports minister says no current plan to boycott the 2026 World Cup despite tensions over U.S.-Greenland row. For bettors, France remaining committed reduces the risk of a late-market favorite withdrawal — markets should still factor political uncertainty as a small tail risk that could shift odds or affect team form near the tournament.
France Rules Out Boycott of 2026 World Cup Despite Geopolitical Tensions
Marina Ferrari, France’s sports minister, said Tuesday evening there is currently no desire from the ministry to boycott the 2026 World Cup. “At the moment we are speaking, there is no desire from the ministry to boycott this major, much-anticipated competition,” she said, while adding she does not want to prejudge what might happen and prefers to keep sports separate from politics.
Political Context: U.S.-Greenland Row Fuels Debate
The comments come amid heightened tensions tied to U.S. interest in Greenland, a dispute that has strained relations with some European partners. The controversy prompted calls at home for a discussion about France’s participation, with leftist lawmaker Eric Coquerel saying a boycott should be considered given concerns about international conduct and suggesting the tournament could be refocused on Mexico and Canada if needed.
Sporting Stakes and National Pride
France, a two-time World Cup winner and 2022 runner-up to Argentina, remains a leading contender heading into 2026. With the tournament set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the prospect of a boycott from a major soccer nation would be a seismic development for both fans and organizers — but for now French authorities are signalling continuity.
Implications for Bettors and Markets
For punters, the minister’s statement reduces the immediate risk of a sudden withdrawal by a top side, keeping pre-tournament markets more stable. That said, political tensions remain a tail risk: sportsbooks and bettors should monitor developments closely in the months before kickoff, as last-minute political fallout or team disruptions could alter odds or influence team form.
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France’s sports minister says her country is not currently thinking about boycotting the soccer World Cup in the United States amid growing tensions related to Donald Trump’s quest to control Greenland
The Independent
