Spain, one of the favorites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has hinted at a possible boycott if Israel is allowed to compete. The Spanish Prime Minister and other officials have called for Israel’s exclusion from international sports due to its actions in Gaza, comparing the situation to Russia’s ban after invading Ukraine. FIFA and UEFA have not yet responded to Spain’s warning.
Tournament Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the United States — the first time three countries will organize the event together. Spain, the reigning European champions, are strong contenders and bookmakers’ favourites to win. They have already started their qualifying campaign strongly, with two victories in their first two matches.
Why Spain Threaten 2026 World Cup Boycott
The possibility of a boycott comes amid growing calls from the Spanish government to exclude Israel from international sports competitions. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has compared Israel’s actions in Gaza to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which led to Russia’s ban from FIFA and UEFA competitions.
Earlier this week, Sanchez said:
“Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image.”
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The UN Report and the Gaza Conflict
A recent United Nations commission of inquiry reported that there are reasonable grounds to conclude Israel has committed four of the five genocidal acts defined under international law in Gaza.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel began a large-scale military offensive in Gaza. According to figures from the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, which the UN considers generally reliable, at least 64,964 Palestinians have been killed.
Israel’s foreign ministry has rejected the UN report as “distorted and false”, and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called Sanchez “a disgrace” for his comments.
Political Voices in Spain
Other Spanish politicians have echoed Sanchez’s demand to exclude Israel. Patxi Lopez, spokesperson for the Socialist Group in the Spanish Congress, said that Spain could consider withdrawing from the 2026 World Cup if Israel qualifies and is allowed to play.
When asked directly if Spain would boycott, Lopez replied:
“We’ll consider it later” and added that a request could be made “at the appropriate time” if FIFA does not act against Israel.
Wider Sports and Cultural Reactions
Spain’s debate comes after Spanish broadcaster RTVE also threatened to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates. Similar boycott calls have already been made in countries such as the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland.
Spain’s Minister of Sports, Pilar Alegria, also joined the calls for exclusion, saying:
“Sport is not, and cannot be, an island independent of what happens in the real world, especially when that real world tells us that human rights are being destroyed.”
FIFA and UEFA’s Position
So far, FIFA and UEFA have not issued any official response to the statements made by Sanchez, Lopez, and Alegria. The global football community now waits to see whether the organizations will take action or risk a political crisis involving one of Europe’s strongest footballing nations.
Source: Sport Bible
