As the 2026 World Cup began in Toronto, protesters demanded Israel's expulsion from FIFA, unfurling a "Kick Israel out of FIFA" banner near a major highway. Activists accuse FIFA of complicity with Israel's actions, citing games on occupied land. The protest also coincided with a separate controversy where the U.S. denied visas to 15 members of Iran's soccer federation, citing national security concerns.
Protest Against Israel's FIFA Membership
- ▪The banner was displayed near the Gardiner Expressway, one of Canada's busiest highways, making it visible to commuters
- ▪On June 12, 2026, protesters in Toronto unfurled a large red banner reading "Kick Israel out of FIFA" over a World Cup logo
- ▪Some protesters wore shirts with the message "Jews for a free Palestine."
- ▪The protest occurred hours before Canada's opening World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Toronto stadium
- ▪Israel's national soccer team did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup tournament
Protesters' Demands and Justifications
- ▪Activists accused FIFA of being complicit with Israel's actions against Palestinians
- ▪The activists demanded the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a Palestinian doctor detained by the Israeli military in late 2024
- ▪Activists also called for the release of Natalie Abu Dayyeh, a 20-year-old Palestinian football player detained by Israel
- ▪According to The Times of Israel, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya is the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital and an officer in Hamas's Military Medical Services
- ▪Protesters stated the Israel Football Association holds games on illegally occupied West Bank and Syrian territory
FIFA's Stance and International Context
- ▪FIFA justified its inaction by citing the unresolved legal status of the West Bank under public international law
- ▪Activists contrasted FIFA's inaction on Israel with its suspension of Russia's teams days after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine
- ▪In March 2026, FIFA announced it would not take action against Israeli clubs accused of playing in Palestinian territory
- ▪United Nations experts have appealed to both FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel from international football
Iran World Cup Visa Controversy
- ▪A U.S. State Department statement said the visas were rejected to prevent Iran from using the system to bring "terrorists into the US under false pretenses."
- ▪The U.S. denied visas to 15 members of the Iranian soccer federation ahead of the World Cup
- ▪Mahdi Mohammad Nabi, Iran's team supervisor, was among the 15 federation members denied a visa
2026 World Cup Opening Match Context
- ▪Canada's opening World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 12, 2026, ended in a 1-1 draw
- ▪The match, held at Toronto's BMO Field, was the first men's World Cup game played on Canadian soil
- ▪Cyle Larin's 78th-minute goal for Canada secured the team its first-ever point in a World Cup tournament
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