“We had debates before the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and calls for a boycott before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. But playing in a country that is actively at war is even more dangerous,” Löw said, referencing the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Israel with Iran. “The political situation completely overshadows the tournament.”
The comments come amid heightened security concerns following recent events in Mexico, including a wave of violence after the Mexican army killed cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.”
Löw made the remarks on Monday evening during an event reflecting on past World Cups. The discussion included former West Germany international Rainer Bonhof, part of the 1974 World Cup-winning squad, and other past champions. Attention shifted to the 2026 tournament toward the end of the session.
“I don’t even know if you should play at all,” Bonhof said to loud applause, acknowledging the ongoing security risks. “Given the current circumstances, for me only Canada is a neutral country. I don’t want to boycott any World Cup — we’re too fond of football. But we really need to think about security measures, which we haven’t considered yet.”
Bonhof, currently president of Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach, expressed particular concern about Mexico as a host. “I wouldn’t have any urge to go there,” he said, citing the security situation.
Earlier this year, the German Football Association ruled out a boycott of the 2026 tournament, despite internal calls at the time to send a political message to U.S. leadership. Löw’s remarks come in the context of escalating geopolitical tensions following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28.
With the tournament less than three years away, discussions about security measures are expected to intensify, as co-host nations prepare for what is set to be one of the largest World Cups in history.