Sporting world discusses boycotting 2026 World Cup

LA mayor calls on White House to ensure safety of fans during major events

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The sporting world has been discussing the possibility of boycotting the 2026 World Cup, raising concerns about the safety of international visitors and local fans during the event. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has urged the White House to take the lead in assuring the safety of attendees for the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, particularly for Latinx people and immigrants who make up a significant portion of the soccer fan base.

Why it matters

The potential boycott of the 2026 World Cup highlights growing concerns about security and the ability to host major international sporting events safely, especially in the wake of recent incidents. The White House's involvement is crucial to address these concerns and ensure a successful and inclusive World Cup for all fans.

The details

Mayor Bass called on the White House to take a leading role in ensuring the safety of international visitors and local fans during the upcoming World Cup and 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. This comes as the sporting world has been discussing the possibility of boycotting the 2026 World Cup due to concerns about security, particularly for Latinx people and immigrants who make up a significant portion of the soccer fan base.

  • On January 28, 2026, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass made the call for White House involvement.
  • The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who called on the White House to ensure the safety of fans during the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“The White House must take the lead in assuring international visitors and local fans of their safety during the upcoming World Cup and 2028 Olympics.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (wn.com)

What’s next

The White House has not yet responded to Mayor Bass's call for action, but discussions about potential boycotts of the 2026 World Cup are ongoing within the sporting world.

The takeaway

The safety and security of fans, particularly marginalized groups like Latinx people and immigrants who are a core part of the soccer fan base, is a critical issue that must be addressed for the successful hosting of major international sporting events like the World Cup and Olympics.