Greenland, Soccer, and Trump: How Football Could Shape Greenland’s Future
In early 2025, Donald Trump renewed his call for the U.S. to annex Greenland — but while politicians debate, football could play a surprising role in shaping Greenland’s future. Blocked from FIFA and UEFA, Greenland has turned to CONCACAF, seeking international recognition through soccer. With 39 clubs and a national team ready to compete, Greenland’s football ambitions may be key to asserting its global identity.
Greenland, Politics, and an Unexpected Twist
In January 2025, newly re-elected U.S. President Donald Trump shocked the world — again. With his signature bravado, he publicly called for Greenland to become part of the United States, reigniting one of the most bizarre geopolitical debates of recent years. What might sound like a far-fetched idea has set off intense discussions about Greenland’s political status, economic future, and — perhaps most unexpectedly — its place in the world of football (soccer).
While political analysts, military experts, and environmentalists focus on Greenland’s vast resources and strategic location, there’s a quieter battle playing out on football pitches covered in ice and snow. For Greenland, being recognized in world soccer might become an essential part of asserting its identity — whether as an American territory, an independent country, or as part of Denmark.
In this article, we’ll dive into Greenland’s complex political situation, explore how football has developed against all odds in one of the world’s harshest climates, and analyze how Trump’s annexation proposal might accelerate Greenland’s football ambitions.
Greenland’s Political and Historical Context
The U.S. has long been interested in Greenland, mostly for strategic military reasons. Thule Air Base, one of America’s northernmost military outposts, sits on Greenland’s icy shores. In 2019, Trump famously suggested “buying” Greenland — a proposal dismissed by Denmark but one that highlighted Greenland’s geopolitical importance.
Now, in 2025, Trump’s renewed call for annexation has given new life to the debate, raising questions about Greenland’s future — and its identity on the global stage.
Football Soccer in Greenland — A Game Against All Odds
Soccer has been played in Greenland since the 1950s. Despite snow, freezing temperatures, and a lack of grass, football quickly became the island’s most popular sport. In 1971, the Football Association of Greenland was founded to oversee domestic leagues and develop national teams.
Today, Greenland boasts 39 clubs and over 5,600 players — an incredible number given the population size.
Since the 1980s, Greenland has been fighting to join FIFA and UEFA. But political status and poor infrastructure have kept the island out of world football’s official ranks.
- UEFA rejection: UEFA requires members to be UN-recognized independent states. As part of Denmark, Greenland does not qualify (although the Faroe Islands, a dependency of Denmark was granted membership)
- FIFA challenges: FIFA has strict infrastructure rules. Though Greenland laid its first artificial pitch in 2010, stadiums like Nuuk Stadium (2,000 capacity) still don’t meet FIFA or CONCACAF requirements (3,000 seats minimum)
Why CONCACAF? Greenland’s New Hope
Facing rejection from UEFA, Greenland turned to CONCACAF, the soccer body governing North America, Central America, the Caribbean and 3 countries of South America. Geographically, Greenland is part of North America, making CONCACAF a logical, if surprising, choice.
Perhaps Jamaican footballers would be a little surprised to land in Greenland. But after all, clubs from Iceland may end up against opponents from Kazakhstan in the UEFA competition, and players from Australia may play a match against players from Mongolia in the AFC. Therefore, the situation would not be so unusual.
In 2022, Greenland began formal talks and gained observer status, with a plan to submit full membership in 2024, aiming for Greenland National Day on June 21.
With Trump’s call for annexation, Greenland’s political status is back in the global spotlight. Whether or not Greenland becomes part of the U.S., Trump’s influence could speed up CONCACAF membership — especially if the U.S. pressures the confederation to accept Greenland.
Football could give Greenland a symbolic national identity, crucial in political negotiations. Joining CONCACAF would elevate Greenland globally, regardless of its final political status.
A Small Nation with a Big Dream
Greenland’s story is one of resilience, both on and off the pitch. Whether part of Denmark, an American territory, or fully independent, Greenland’s football dream — a place in world soccer — could be key to its global identity.
As Trump pushes for political change, and Greenland’s footballers fight for international recognition, one thing is certain: football could be the stage where Greenland defines itself to the world.
A Final Word: Football as Greenland’s Ticket to the World
Football may seem like a small piece of the larger puzzle of Greenland’s political future, but in a world where sports and politics often intersect, the island’s push to join the international football community is deeply significant.
Whether as part of Denmark, an independent nation, or (potentially) a U.S. territory, Greenland needs visibility and a place in global institutions — and being on the football map is a powerful first step.
So here’s some advice to the key players:
- Mr President Donald Trump: If you’re serious about Greenland, why not start by pushing CONCACAF to fast-track their membership?
- King Frederik X of Denmark: Greenland is part of your kingdom. Push UEFA to recognize them, as they did for the Faroe Islands.
In the end, Greenland’s journey onto the international soccer field may become a symbol of its broader quest for a place in the world — and whether under Danish, American, or independent flags, their story deserves to be heard.
