Spain’s government has hinted that the national team could withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, throwing next summer’s tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada into doubt.
The reigning European champions are among the bookmakers’ favourites and are cruising through qualification, having won their opening two games. But political tensions are clouding their path to North America.
The Spanish Football Federation is reportedly in talks with government officials after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urged FIFA to bar Israel from international competitions over its military actions in Gaza. Sánchez argued Israel should face similar sanctions to those imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Spain’s ruling PSOE party has not ruled out a boycott if Israel is allowed to compete. Israel, currently third in its qualifying group, remains in contention for at least a playoff spot with six points behind leaders Norway and level with Italy, with three fixtures left.
Only group winners qualify automatically for the World Cup, while runners-up may reach the tournament through playoffs. Any Spanish withdrawal would cast a major shadow over FIFA’s flagship event.
