The KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) have shared an official statement via Secretary General Gijs de Jong amid growing concerns over the 'political' situation in America under Donald Trump. The United States are won of three nations, alongside Canada and Mexico, that will host the 2026 World Cup this summer.
For a number of reasons, there are growing concerns over the nation's ability to host football's biggest and most prestigious tournament. Under the Trump administration, fans of a number of nations will find it hard to get visas to come into the country, with those from Iran, Haiti, Senegal and the Ivory Coast, currently blocked due to travel bans imposed by his government.
There are also notable safety fears amid the growing presence of ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) across the nation, with England's official LGBT+ fan group recently listing that among one of the reasons why they will now boycott the World Cup.
On top of that, Trump's intention to capture Greenland has sparked rising tensions in Europe. The Guardian have even reported that some nations could consider boycotting the World Cup if the annexation of Greenland takes place, with a petition in the Netherlands nearing 90,000 signatories by Tuesday evening.
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It would be a seismic event if the Dutch national team did not go to the World Cup, as a number of big names would be missing out, including Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch, and Jeremie Frimpong. Addressing the talk of a boycott, De Jong spoke on behalf of the KNVB, explaining how his nation will 'handle social or political developments in a host country.' He said:
"We live in a rapidly changing world. Therefore, we closely monitor international developments, in consultation with FIFA, UEFA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and local embassies. We are alert and flexible, just as we have been in the past with tournaments.
As a football association, our first priority is that players and staff can fully focus on football and their World Cup mission. As a football association, we focus on the World Cup and on our values: dialogue, connection, and innovation, even when circumstances differ from those in the Netherlands.
"It is up to the Dutch government to determine its position on international political developments. By continuing to play football and engage in dialogue, we link our progressive stance to our values, convinced that football can unite. Everyone worldwide knows what Oranje stands for."
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De Jong then explained how the Dutch FA would go about officially deciding not to participate in matches or tournaments. He said:
"We always follow the guidelines of the Dutch government and those of FIFA and UEFA. If they indicate that travel to or playing in a certain region is not permitted, we do not go.
"Within that framework, we stick to what is central to us: football, dialogue, and connection. We are socially conscious."
It's important to note that he still seemed very on board with the idea that the Netherlands would be attending the 2026 World Cup, adding: "Especially in a polarized world, football can make all the difference. In the Netherlands and beyond. Nothing unites the Netherlands more than the Dutch national team. Our fans are immensely valued all over the world."