The CDU and SPD have made clear that they do not intend to boycott the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
“An World‑Cup boycott is a bad idea” said CDU politician Christoph Ploß in an interview with “Spiegel”. “It would punish the players and go against the very purpose of major international sporting events, which is to bring together athletes and fans from all over the world so they can exchange ideas”.
Ploß added that, especially in today’s world, intercultural gatherings are essential. “Players should be able to focus on football, unlike what often happened at the Qatar World Cup” he said.
Bettina Lugk, the SPD’s sports‑political spokesperson, said she would only boycott the tournament personally, not a general boycott. She told a news magazine that the discussion about a boycott arose against the backdrop of serious foreign‑policy threats from the United States. “Since an escalation has not yet been confirmed, I do not see this debate as productive” she explained.
She also voiced disappointment that the DFB had not taken a clearer, more critical stance on the newly created FIFA Peace Prize awarded to the U.S. president. “I would have preferred the DFB to express a much more distinct, critical position” she said.
Lugk added, “I will not attend the World Cup in the United States in person”. She cited the highly tense domestic political climate in the U.S., along with unresolved issues concerning entry requirements, safety, and conditions for fans. “Some people are denied entry solely because of their nationality. These are unfortunately not good conditions for a football celebration that should unite people”.