UEFA President Ceferin boycotts World Cup final over FIFA political interference

Published Jul 20, 11:00 PM UTC

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin boycotted the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on July 20, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, citing FIFA's controversial decision-making and political interference. According to journalist Martyn Ziegler, Ceferin's absence reflects a complete breakdown in relations with FIFA. Key grievances include FIFA's suspension of USMNT striker Folarin Balogun's one-game ban after intervention by Donald Trump, a sharp rise in ticket prices, and the introduction of a halftime show. While thousands of celebrities attended the final, Ceferin chose not to support what he viewed as FIFA and Trump's politicized tournament. He had attended the opening match in Mexico City five weeks earlier but was convinced to boycott the final by FIFA's actions during the tournament.