SHOTLIST:

BERLIN, GERMANY (JAN. 23, 2026) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL)

1. GERMAN MAN, BERND KIEFELL, SPEAKING TO REPORTER (German)

2. GERMAN MAN ARTHUR, SPEAKING TO REPORTER (German)

3. GERMAN MAN ISEM, SPEAKING TO REPORTER (German)

4. GERMAN MAN HOFFMAN, SPEAKING TO REPORTER (German)

5. GERMAN FRANK, SPEAKING TO REPORTER (German)

6. ONE OF GERMAN MEN, SPEAKING TO REPORTER (German)

SCRIPT

A debate has intensified in Germany over a potential boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in response to US President Donald Trump’s push to take control of Greenland.

The US president has shown interest in Greenland because of its strategic Arctic location, rich mineral resources and concerns about increasing Russian and Chinese influence in the region.

Denmark and Greenland have rejected proposals to sell the territory, reaffirming Danish sovereignty over the island.

A senior German lawmaker Jurgen Hardt, stated Wednesday, Jan. 21, that withdrawing from the tournament should be considered a "last resort" to pressure the US administration toward a more rational approach regarding the Danish territory.

A new poll conducted by the Insa research institute revealed that 47% of German respondents support a boycott if an annexation occurs, while 35% are opposed and 18% remain undecided.

German citizens expressed a range of views on the matter. Bernd Kiefell told Anadolu that despite the unfortunate impact on athletes, external pressure is necessary.

Another citizen, Arthur, argued that Europe must prioritize its own strategic interests, while a resident named Isem suggested that even if a boycott yields no tangible benefits, it remains a vital tool for exerting diplomatic pressure on US.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.


Reporting by / Writing by Ayse Elif Erdis