Spain has reportedly threatened to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup if Israel qualifies for the tournament, marking one of the strongest political statements yet tied to next year’s global football showcase. The warning follows a United Nations commission of inquiry report this week accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
According to reports, Spanish government officials said they will “assess” the situation if Israel secures a place in the competition. The officials did not outline specific steps but suggested that Spain could withdraw from the event if Ran Ben-Shimon’s Israeli side books a ticket to the North American tournament.
The World Cup, scheduled to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is still in its qualifying stages. Spain, a powerhouse in world football and 2010 World Cup champions, is expected to easily progress through the qualifiers. Israel is also seeking a place in the competition, which will feature an expanded format of 48 teams for the first time.
The potential boycott reflects growing tensions over Israel’s ongoing conflict with Palestinians in Gaza, which has drawn widespread international criticism. The United Nations commission’s recent findings intensified global scrutiny, fueling political debates beyond diplomacy and into the world of sports.
Spain’s position underscores how international conflicts increasingly spill over into major sporting events. A boycott by Spain would not only be a significant political statement but also a major sporting loss for FIFA, given Spain’s stature in global football.
At this stage, FIFA has not issued any official response regarding Spain’s threat or how it might address potential withdrawals over political disputes. The governing body traditionally discourages political interference in football but has often faced pressure when conflicts or human rights issues intersect with the game.
As qualifying matches continue, the situation remains uncertain. Whether Spain follows through with its warning will likely depend on Israel’s path through the qualifiers and the broader international response to the UN findings. For now, the possibility of a boycott adds a dramatic twist to the buildup toward the 2026 World Cup, highlighting the inseparable link between global politics and the world’s most popular sport.
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