Spain has reportedly threatened to boycott the 2026 World Cup if Israel qualifies. After a United Nations commission of inquiry stated that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza this week, Spanish government officials say they will “assess” the situation if Ran Ben-Shimon’s team make it to next year’s tournament in North America.
Israel is currently third in their group with nine points from five games, behind Norway and Italy. With trips to both Norway and Italy in October, they still may finish second and potentially secure a play-off spot depending on results.
Israel have not qualified for the World Cup since 1970, but stand a chance of qualifying for next year’s expanded tournament.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for Israel to be excluded from sporting competitions.
He said: “Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image.”
“What we want is for people to realize that if Israeli teams cannot take part in sporting events or Eurovision, some are starting to open their eyes.”
A recent UN commission of inquiry said there are grounds to believe that four of five genocidal acts under international law, have been carried out by Israel in Gaza. Israel’s foreign ministry responded by rejecting the report, describing it as ‘distorted and false’.
More than 65,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
