Why are Three Lions Pride boycotting the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

England's official LGBTQ+ supporters' organisation, Three Lions Pride, has formally declared its decision to boycott the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing profound concerns regarding the safety and human rights of its members. The group's statement criticises FIFA's "appalling decisions" in the tournament's organisation and expresses a deep disappointment that hopes for an inclusive environment have been "shattered."

The group, which has grown to approximately 350 members since its inception before the 2018 World Cup in Russia, emphasised its inability to guarantee the security of its supporters should they attend the event in an organised capacity. While the tournament is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Three Lions Pride highlighted particular apprehension regarding a "dangerous rollback of human rights" observed in certain regions of the U.S., where England is scheduled to play its group-stage matches in Dallas, Boston, and New York/New Jersey. This environment, they contend, poses a heightened risk of discrimination and violence, especially for trans and gender non-conforming individuals.

As reported by scenemag, this decision echoes the group's previous stance during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which they also boycotted due to similar safety concerns for LGBTQ+ fans. At that time, Three Lions Pride articulated a lack of adequate assurances from both FIFA and the host nations regarding the welfare of their community.

Despite initiatives such as Pride House United 2026, which aims to establish welcoming venues for LGBTQ+ supporters across the 16 host cities, Three Lions Pride maintains that these measures fall short of ensuring the comprehensive safety and well-being of attendees.

The boycott further amplifies the growing chorus of criticism directed at FIFA from LGBTQ+ communities globally. These groups consistently argue that the governing body frequently prioritises commercial and political interests over its responsibility to ensure the safety and inclusion of marginalised supporter groups.

In a powerful concluding statement, Three Lions Pride condemned FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, asserting, "Shame on FIFA and shame on Gianni Infantino." The group pledged to continue its advocacy, standing "in solidarity with our LGBT+ family living in fear and persecution globally," and emphatically stated that "Sport should not allow itself to wash over human rights violations." The statement also extended heartfelt support to the family and friends of Renee Good and the community of Minnesotans navigating a difficult period.