If Israel Participates, Spain Threatens To Boycott The 2026 World Cup

JAKARTA - The threat of a boycott was thrown by the Spanish Government for the 2026 World Cup. This concerns Israel's participation in the event.

The statement was made by the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez. He said he wanted Israel to leave the international sports contestation, including football.

"Israel should not use the international stage to 'wash hands' to clear their names," Sanchez said as quoted by Sport Bible, Thursday, September 18, 2025.

The 2026 World Cup will start rolling in North America, to be precise the United States, Canada, plus Mexico.

The public's eyes are focused on other issues because of Israel's ongoing attacks on Palestine. This situation has attracted sympathy from many countries around the world, including Spain.

As one of the great powers in football, the Land of Matador is seen as having an influence if it determines its attitude.

The same thing was conveyed by the Spanish Sports Minister, Pilar Alegria, who asked Israel to withdraw from international tournaments following the increasingly severe situation in Palestine.

"Sports are not and must not be separated from what is happening in the real world. Especially if the real world tells us that human rights are being destroyed," said Alegria.

Spokesperson for the Socialist Group at the Spanish Congress, Patxi Lopez, also hinted at the Spanish Government to be able to boycott the 2026 World Cup if Israel is involved.

"We will consider it later," he said.

Currently, Israel is in third place in Group I of the European Zone 2026 World Cup Qualification. With a collection of nine points, the same as Italy in second place, Israel still has the opportunity to advance to the grand football party in the world through the playoffs.

Israel will face Norway on October 11, 2025, then against Italy on October 15, 2025 in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers continued.