Spain has shaken the global football landscape with reports suggesting its national team could boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup if Israel qualifies. The move reflects growing political and moral outrage in Madrid over the actions of Israel in Gaza.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has urged sporting bodies to impose sanctions on Israel, echoing the precedent set when Russia was banned from international events after invading Ukraine.
His stance has been backed by senior Socialist leader Patxi Lopez, who stated that Spain could push for a boycott if no measures are taken.
Sports Minister Pilar Alegria reinforced the message, insisting that football cannot be isolated from humanitarian crises. “Sport is not, and cannot be, an island independent of what happens in the real world,” she said.
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Spain, currently top of the FIFA world rankings and a frontrunner in European qualifying, would be one of the biggest contenders for the title in 2026. A potential withdrawal could drastically reshape the tournament.
Israel, sitting third in its qualifying group, remains in contention despite trailing Norway and Italy. Its participation has already drawn criticism from nations demanding accountability for Gaza.
FIFA and UEFA have yet to comment, but the position of Spain as European champions and a football powerhouse places enormous pressure on governing bodies. The looming standoff highlights the growing difficulty of keeping sport separate from politics as conflicts intensify.