SPAIN WILL NOT TAKE PART IN 2026 WORLD CUP IF FIFA ALLOWS ISRAEL TO PARTICIPATE
Madrid, Spain — Spain has issued a strong warning that it will not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup if Israel is allowed to participate. The statement reflects growing political pressure in Madrid amid international outrage over the Gaza conflict, placing FIFA under the spotlight once again.
Spanish Leaders Issue Warning
Patxi López, spokesman for the Socialist Group in the Spanish Parliament, told lawmakers that Spain cannot ignore Israel’s actions. He argued that allowing Israel to compete as a normal participant would undermine the values of sport and human rights.
“Spain will not take part in the 2026 World Cup if FIFA allows Israel to participate,” López said.
Sports Minister Pilar Alegría backed this view, adding that international sporting bodies should not separate themselves from global realities. “Sport must reflect fairness, equality, and respect. Those values are meaningless if they do not apply to everyone,” she stated.
No Formal Withdrawal Yet
While the warning is serious, Spain’s football federation has not yet submitted any official notice to FIFA. For now, the declaration remains a political threat rather than a confirmed withdrawal.
Still, the message signals the possibility of a boycott if FIFA does not address the issue, raising the stakes for both the Spanish team and world football’s governing body.
What It Means for the World Cup
If Spain were to follow through with its boycott:
- The competition would lose a top contender — Spain, a former World Cup winner, is one of Europe’s strongest national teams.
- FIFA would face global pressure to clarify how political and humanitarian conflicts affect eligibility.
- Other countries could follow Spain’s lead, potentially sparking a wider political crisis in world football.
The Bigger Picture
This controversy comes at a time when Spain has taken a tough diplomatic line on Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Large public protests and political debates in Spain have increased calls for stronger action. By linking sport to politics, Spain has put FIFA in the center of an international dispute that goes far beyond football.
What Happens Next?
FIFA has not yet responded to Spain’s warning. Israel has also not secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which means the situation could remain unresolved until the qualifiers progress.
For now, Spain’s stance sends a powerful message: if FIFA allows Israel to compete without addressing humanitarian concerns, Spain is ready to walk away from the world’s biggest sporting event.
