-
Gayton Mckenzie rejects calls to boycott the FIFA World Cup, in 2026
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, says calls to boycott the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Soccer World Cup in the United States of America (USA), later this year, are not logical.
McKenzie was addressing the media at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, where the FIFA Trophy is on display.
It’s the trophy’s third public display in the country, after making it’s first appearance at the Union Buildings, on Friday where it was unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The soccer trophy is making the rounds in countries that have qualified for the soccer spectacular.
Former Bafana Bafana winger Siphiwe Tshabalala has reflected on his recent trip to Mexico as a FIFA legend – an initiative aimed at building excitement ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the Americas later this year.
✍️ SABC Sport’s @superjourno
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) February 1, 2026
Canada and Mexico are co-hosting with the USA.
Meanwhile, calls have been mounting for soccer fans to boycott the event due to President Donald Trump’s aggressive approach towards immigrants but McKenzie says too much is at stake.
“That’s mad cow disease. That’s my view. Do they understand the repercussions of a FIFA game? It means player sanctions. We will be banned and then we might not see football in our generation. That’s madness,” says McKenzie.
VIDEO | FIFA World Cup Tour in Cape Town – Minister of Sports Gayton McKenzie
WATCH | The FIFA World Cup trophy is in South Africa at the Union Buildings as excitement builds ahead of the global football tournament. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie is on the podium. pic.twitter.com/8fHj0k4OTw
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 30, 2026
Soccer fans were elated to take pictures next to the FIFA trophy. It’s the trophy’s third public appearance in the country.
Soccer fans, who queued in the blazing Cape Town sun, did not let anything put a damper on the opportunity to stand next to the prestigious trophy.
“Honestly, it felt great. I have been a fan since I was four years old. I went to 2010, in South Africa but I have never had the opportunity to lay my eyes on the trophy so it felt really great,” says a fan.
“It’s a new experience; a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says another fan.
“It’s an amazing feeling and I am happy we are here and that we could be part of this,” adds another fan.
