Spain is considering withdrawing from the 2026 FIFA World Cup if Israel qualifies, sparking controversy and raising questions about the intersection of sports and politics.
The potential boycott stems from Spain's strong stance against Israel's actions in Gaza, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez calling for Israel to be excluded from international sports competitions. Sanchez has suggested Israel should be treated similarly to Russia, which faced bans following its invasion of Ukraine.
Patxi Lopez, spokesperson for the Socialist Group in Congress, stated that Spain's participation in the 2026 World Cup would be assessed if Israel qualifies. He urged sports organizations to exclude Israel from competitions. Pilar Alegría, the Spanish Minister of Education and Sport, has also supported excluding Israel from international competitions, emphasizing that sports cannot be detached from real-world events, especially when human rights are at stake.
Israel is currently competing to qualify for the World Cup, positioned third in their group. Their group includes Italy and Norway. A key match between Italy and Israel in October could determine Israel's fate in the tournament and, consequently, Spain's potential boycott.
Spain is considered a strong contender for the 2026 World Cup, especially as the reigning European champions. The team boasts talented players like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi, who are expected to lead Spain's new era. A boycott would be a significant blow to Spain's chances and would deny these players a major platform.
FIFA traditionally opposes government interference in football matters, so Spain's potential withdrawal could lead to severe consequences.
The Spanish government's stance reflects a growing debate about Israel's participation in international sporting events, which has intensified in recent weeks. Demonstrations have occurred, such as the pro-Palestine protests that disrupted the Vuelta a España, targeting the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team.
The situation remains fluid, with no final decision made. The outcome of Israel's qualifying campaign and the response from FIFA will likely influence Spain's ultimate decision. This situation highlights the complex relationship between sports, politics, and international relations.
