EFF calls for 2026 World Cup boycott, cites discriminatory visa rules

February 4, 2026 92

The Economic Freedom Fighters has called for a global boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that the controversial visa restrictions affecting more than 70 countries undermine the spirit of the global game.

The call was made by EFF leader, Julius Malema, following the party’s second plenum of its Third National People’s Assembly, where the party also vowed to intensify pressure on South Africa’s judiciary and renewed calls for the closure of the Israeli Embassy.

This follows a decision by President Donald Trump’s administration to suspended immigrant visa for citizens of 75 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

The freeze targets applicants deemed likely to become a “public charge” – individuals officials believe may rely on government assistance for basic needs.

Malema said the proposed boycott is a response to what the EFF describes as discriminatory visa restrictions, warning that the policy could prevent thousands of fans and participants from attending the global showpiece.

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The historic edition will be the first to feature 48 teams and 104 matches.

Speaking at the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela House, Malema framed the boycott as a continuation of the global anti-apartheid struggle, arguing that sport has historically been used as a tool to confront injustice.

While the US State Department says non-immigrant tourist visas will still be processed under a priority system known as FIFA PASS, the EFF insists the broader policy amounts to discrimination.

The party has urged the South African government and Bafana Bafana to withdraw from the tournament, saying “business as usual” is no longer acceptable.

♦️Must Watch♦️

The President and Commander in Chief @Julius_S_Malema addressing the #EFFPresser.

The EFF once again makes a call for a global boycott of the FIFA World Cup in the United States. A sporting boycott is not merely symbolic, but it is rooted in a proud history of… pic.twitter.com/3LhajuOIRQ

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 4, 2026

The party also renewed calls for the immediate closure of the Israeli Embassy in South Africa, accusing Israel of practising apartheid against Palestinians.

Addressing the media, Malema praised South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, but criticised Parliament for failing to implement a resolution calling for the embassy’s closure.

Malema said South Africa is being targeted for its solidarity with Palestine, describing international pressure as imperial retaliation against countries that challenge global power structures.

Alongside its global campaign, the EFF has also stepped up pressure on the judiciary, vowing to picket outside the Constitutional Court every first Wednesday of the month over delays in the Phala Phala judgment.

The party says the more than year-long delay raises serious concerns about accountability and whether justice is being selectively applied — particularly where President Cyril Ramaphosa is concerned.

EFF supporters returned to the court in Braamfontein on Wednesday, insisting they will not relent until judgment is delivered in the case linked to the theft of foreign currency at Ramaphosa’s Limpopo farm in 2020.

The party’s Region F chairperson, Aviwe Mdaniso, said the continued delay undermines public confidence in the judiciary and suggests unequal application of the law.

The three-day plenum, attended by more than 600 delegates, adopted the theme “Victory or Death” as the party positions itself ahead of the upcoming local government elections.