Spain threatens to withdraw from 2026 World Cup if Israel qualifies
Spain argued that Israel should face the same treatment as Russia, which was expelled from FIFA and UEFA following its invasion of Ukraine.
Spain threatens World Cup boycott over Israel participation.Spanish government officials have suggested the national team could withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup if Israel qualifies for the tournament.
The competition, scheduled for next summer in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will feature Spain as one of the leading contenders. However, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and other senior officials have urged FIFA and UEFA to ban Israel from international football, citing its military actions in Gaza.
Sánchez argued that Israel should face the same treatment as Russia, which was expelled from FIFA and UEFA following its invasion of Ukraine.
A recent UN investigative commission reported there are “strong reasons” to conclude Israel committed acts of genocide in Gaza.
Patxi López, spokesman for Spain’s Socialist Party in Congress, said the government may call for a boycott if Israel is not excluded from the World Cup.
Sports Minister Pilar Alegría reinforced the stance, insisting that “sport cannot remain isolated from violations of human rights.”
Israel sits third in its qualifying group with three matches remaining, leaving open the possibility of advancing to the 2026 finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Since October 7, 2023, Tel Aviv’s assault on Gaza has killed at least 64,964 Palestinians, according to figures from Gaza’s health ministry.
Spain’s European championship-winning side is regarded as one of the favourites for the next World Cup, but officials in Madrid insist participation will not come at the cost of a principled stand against Israeli crimes in Gaza.