Spain threatens to boycott World Cup next summer if 'Israel' qualify
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The threat comes mere days after pro-Palestine protests halted the final stage of La Vuelta in Madrid
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People shout slogans and hold Palestinian flags while protesting during the twenty-first stage of La Vuelta cycling race from Alalpardo to Madrid, Spain, Sunday, September 14, 2025. (AP)
Officials from the Spanish government have indicated that Spain may boycott the 2026 World Cup if "Israel" qualifies for the tournament, citing Israeli war crimes committed in Gaza.
Patxi Lopez, spokesperson for the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, stated that the country would “assess” the situation if the scenario arises. His comments come amid growing international condemnation of "Israel's" actions in Palestine.
Lopez emphasized Spain’s growing disapproval of "Israel’s" aggressions on Gaza, referencing international calls to isolate "Israel" from global sporting and cultural events.
“We will assess the situation at the right time,” he said. “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. Because ours are wide open and do not tolerate what they see, which is why we cannot and will not remain silent.”
These statements follow a recent United Nations commission of inquiry report accusing "Israel" of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Read more: FIFA to take legal advice on Palestine's bid to suspend 'Israel'
FIFA rules and potential fallout
Spain's stance could place it in direct conflict with FIFA, which maintains a strict policy against government interference in football; a criterion that seemingly did not apply to the war in Ukraine. Any decision to withdraw from the World Cup for political reasons could result in disciplinary action.
"Israel", which have not qualified for a World Cup since 1970, currently sit third in its UEFA qualifying group, tied on points with Italy but having played one more match.
As international scrutiny of "Israel" intensifies and pro-Palestine sentiment grows across Europe, the possibility of a Spain World Cup boycott introduces a major geopolitical dimension to global sport.
Pro-Palestine protests disrupt Vuelta a España
The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party spokesperson's remarks came just days after pro-Palestine demonstrations interrupted the 11th stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race in Madrid. Protesters targeted the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team, prompting organizers to cut the stage short without naming a winner, citing safety concerns.
The stage, which was meant to start and end in Bilbao’s "botxo" neighborhood, was halted approximately three kilometers before the finish line. Protesters waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans blocked the course near Gran Viam, while graffiti condemning "Israel" was seen along the route.
Read more: Middle Eastern football associations call on FIFA to ban 'Israel'
According to reports from Marca, three individuals were arrested and four police officers were injured during the protests. Basque Government Security Minister, Bingen Zupiria, criticized the “uncivil behavior that threatens security and coexistence.”
Riders, officials react to race disruption
The disruption sparked mixed reactions among cyclists and officials.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he had “a deep admiration” for all those who had protested peacefully against the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech team. He also called for "Israel" to be barred from international sports competitions for as long as its “barbarism” in Gaza continues.
Madrid-born rider Carlos Verona called for clarity from cycling authorities, saying, “The UCI must make decisions for the benefit of everyone. I understand peaceful protests, but I don't understand them interrupting our work. Perhaps 'Israel' should compete without a flag.”
Race organizers confirmed that mountain classification and intermediate sprint points would still be awarded, but no finish line winner would be declared.
