Spain Considers Withdrawing from 2026 World Cup
Spain Raises Possibility of World Cup Boycott
On September 18, 2025, Spain’s government announced a potential withdrawal of its national football team from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This unprecedented move is a response to the possible participation of Israel in the tournament, drawing global attention to the intersection of sports and international politics.
Government’s Position: Linking Sports and Human Rights
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly stated that Israel should face the same treatment as Russia, which was banned from international football following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Sánchez argued that Israel “cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image,” referencing recent allegations of human rights violations in Gaza. He stressed that Spain’s participation in the World Cup is not guaranteed if Israel remains in the competition.
The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), which leads the current government, has echoed this sentiment. Spokespersons have made it clear that a boycott is under serious consideration as a way to protest Israel’s inclusion, should its ongoing actions in Gaza remain unaddressed. Sports Minister Pilar Alegría reinforced this stance, stating, “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.”
International Context: UN Inquiry and Precedents
The Spanish government’s warning comes in the wake of a United Nations commission of inquiry. Last week, the commission concluded that four out of five acts defined as genocide under international law have been committed by Israel in Gaza. This finding has intensified calls for accountability and has fueled debates about the role of international sports organizations in responding to such allegations.
The precedent cited by Prime Minister Sánchez is Russia’s suspension from international football, which followed the country’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. FIFA and UEFA barred Russian teams from all competitions, setting a standard for using sports as a platform for enforcing international norms. Spain’s leaders argue that similar measures should be applied to Israel if the allegations of human rights abuses are substantiated.
Israel’s World Cup Prospects
Despite the controversy, Israel remains in contention for a spot at the 2026 World Cup. The national team is currently third in its qualifying group, with three matches left to play. Their advancement to the tournament is still possible, making the Spanish government’s threat more than symbolic.
If Israel secures qualification, it could set the stage for a major diplomatic and sporting standoff. Spain’s national team, known for its recent European Championship victory and considered a favorite for the World Cup, would face the difficult decision of whether to participate or stand by its government’s principles. Such a move would have significant implications for the tournament, the sport, and international relations.
Reactions from the Sports Community
The prospect of a Spanish boycott has sparked debate within the football world. Supporters of the government’s position argue that sports should not be isolated from broader ethical concerns. They believe that participation in international tournaments should not come at the expense of turning a blind eye to alleged atrocities.
Critics, however, caution against politicizing sports, warning that such actions could undermine the spirit of international competition and unity that events like the World Cup are meant to foster. They point out that previous boycotts, such as those during the Olympic Games in the 20th century, often failed to achieve their intended political goals and sometimes punished athletes more than governments.
Potential Consequences for FIFA and Global Football
FIFA, the governing body of world football, now faces a challenging dilemma. The organization has historically maintained that sports should transcend politics, but recent events have forced a reconsideration of this stance. The exclusion of Russia in 2022 set a precedent, but applying similar measures to Israel would be controversial and could set off a chain reaction among other national teams and sponsors.
The situation also raises questions about FIFA’s criteria for barring teams from competition. Will the organization act on the findings of international bodies like the UN, or will it maintain a policy of neutrality? The answer could shape the future of global football and the role of sports in addressing international crises.
Spain’s Commitment to Principles
Despite the high stakes, Spanish officials remain firm in their position. They argue that the country’s participation in the World Cup cannot come at the expense of its commitment to human rights and international law. For Spain, the issue is not just about football but about upholding values on the world stage.
As the qualifying rounds progress and the final lineup for the 2026 World Cup becomes clearer, the world will be watching to see whether Spain follows through on its threat and how FIFA responds to this unprecedented challenge.