Comedian John Bishop Urges Football Fans to Boycott 2026 World Cup in Trump's America
Prominent comedian and former semi-professional footballer John Bishop has made a passionate call for a widespread boycott of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Bishop, known for his outspoken views, has described the decision to hold the tournament in Donald Trump's America as 'a complete embarrassment' and 'a joke' that fundamentally undermines the spirit of football.
Bishop's Blunt Critique on Absolute Radio
During a recent appearance on Absolute Radio on Thursday 29 January, Bishop was asked about his feelings regarding the forthcoming World Cup. The Liverpudlian comic, who was being interviewed about the Hollywood film Is This Thing On? based on his life, did not hold back in his response. 'My feeling is boycott it. Honestly, I think the World Cup is a joke,' Bishop stated emphatically.
He elaborated on his position by criticising FIFA's relationship with former US President Donald Trump, suggesting it has compromised the integrity of the sport. 'I think FIFA giving Donald Trump a big rosette and a peace prize has undermined everything that football's about,' Bishop declared. He further expressed concern over the potential visa restrictions for players, staff, and fans, labelling the situation as 'ridiculous' and reiterating that it represents 'a complete embarrassment'.
Growing Calls for Boycott Amid Immigration Crackdowns
The comedian's remarks come at a time of heightened tension in the United States, following a series of crackdowns by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Tragic incidents, including the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have fuelled public outrage and amplified demands for a boycott of the World Cup.
Bishop's call aligns with a broader movement that has gained momentum in recent weeks. The initial spark for the boycott campaign was ignited last week after President Trump's controversial bid to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO ally. This political manoeuvre has drawn sharp criticism and prompted further scrutiny of the World Cup hosting decision.
Support from Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter
Adding weight to the boycott movement, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has publicly endorsed the stance. On Monday 26 January, Blatter took to social media to share a message from Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who has advised fans to avoid travelling to the US due to 'abuses by immigration services'.
Quoting Pieth, Blatter wrote on X: 'For the fans, there's only one piece of advice: stay away from the USA!' He added, 'I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup.' This endorsement from a former top football official highlights the deepening concerns within the sport's community.
Bishop's Background and Personal Connection to Football
John Bishop's perspective is informed by his own experiences in the world of football. As a former semi-professional player, he served as a midfielder for teams such as Hyde United, Crewe Alexandra, and Southport. His lifelong passion for the sport, coupled with his support for Liverpool FC, lends credibility to his critique of the World Cup's current trajectory.
Beyond football, Bishop's life story is the inspiration for the upcoming film Is This Thing On?, directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Will Arnett. The project depicts a man who turns to stand-up comedy after the end of his marriage, mirroring Bishop's own journey into comedy.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, with matches set to run from 11 June to 19 July, Bishop's forceful appeal for a boycott underscores a growing sentiment that the tournament's hosting in Trump's America is fraught with political and ethical dilemmas. His blunt assessment that the event has become 'a joke' and 'really undermined what football's all about' resonates with many who believe that sport should stand for inclusivity and fairness, free from geopolitical controversies.
