Protesters demand Israel's FIFA expulsion in Toronto as 2026 World Cup opens amid visa controversy

Jun 12, 2026

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.