What’s behind growing European threats to boycott the next FIFA World Cup?

A potential boycott of FIFA tournaments looms as Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) member nations threaten to withdraw. The unprecedented move follows a virtual emergency meeting of the soccer body's 55 member nations. Such a boycott would exclude top European contenders like France, England, and Portugal from future men's and women's FIFA World Cups. This threat emerges just over two weeks after the 2026 World Cup concluded, generating a record $12 billion in income. The core of the dispute is FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to establish a $20 billion commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would invite private investors. FIFA stated the FFE aims to raise up to $4.2 billion to fund development programs, with American venture capital firm Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, expected to lead the investor group. J.P. Morgan is advising FIFA on the plan, which requires approval from FIFA's 211 members and offers them $40 million each. UEFA, however, "unanimously and unequivocally reject[ed] FIFA’s proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors." In a statement, UEFA declared, "The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors." UEFA has set a deadline of September 19 for federations to respond, with an initial $20 million available to those who accept the plan.

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The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors.