{"id":36142,"date":"2026-02-04T18:39:38","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T16:39:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/?p=36142"},"modified":"2026-02-04T19:03:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T17:03:08","slug":"eff-calls-for-2026-world-cup-boycott-cites-discriminatory-visa-rules","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/2026\/02\/04\/eff-calls-for-2026-world-cup-boycott-cites-discriminatory-visa-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"EFF calls for 2026 World Cup boycott, cites discriminatory visa rules"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Image credit: @EFFSouthAfrica\/X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

The call was made by EFF leader, Julius Malema, following the party\u2019s second plenum of its Third National People\u2019s Assembly, where the party also vowed to intensify pressure on South Africa\u2019s judiciary and renewed calls for the closure of the Israeli Embassy.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The freeze targets applicants deemed likely to become a “public charge” \u2013 individuals officials believe may rely on government assistance for basic needs.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.\u00a0 The historic edition will be the first to feature 48 teams and 104 matches.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n\t

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    \n\t\t\tEFF calls for 2026 World Cup boycott, cites discriminatory visa rules<\/span>\n\t\t\t| By X9 Converter<\/span>\n\t\t<\/p>\n\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\t\t\t\n\t\n

    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.<\/p>\n

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

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    \u2666\ufe0fMust Watch\u2666\ufe0f<\/p>\n

    The President and Commander in Chief @Julius_S_Malema<\/a> addressing the #EFFPresser<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    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\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/3LhajuOIRQ<\/a><\/p>\n

    \u2014 Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 4, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n