Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that he will be cheering for Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 summit clash. Defending champions Argentina will face off against Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
It was in the presence of Argentina's ambassador to Israel that Netanyahu declared that he was backing Lionel Messi and co. to retain the World Cup. Netanyahu was also presented with the famous blue and white football jersey of the South American side by the diplomat.
Netanyahu also spoke about the great relationship he has with Argentine President Javier Milei. "I don't hide that I am a fan of Argentina. I think most Israeli citizens support Argentina. That is because President Milei has revolutionised Argentina's relationship with Israel, and we have no greater nor better friends. Which is why we support them," Netanyahu said before the camera before chanting "Vamos Argentina!"
Interestingly, Spain's poster boy Lamine Yamal had made news by upholding a Palestinian flag in Barcelona’s open-top bus parade following their La Liga championship win ahead of the World Cup. The 18-year-old held and waved a large Palestine flag as the newly crowned Spanish champions interacted with the thousands of Barça fans lined up on the streets in the Catalan capital. Video clips of his apparent act of support for the people of Palestine immediately went viral on social media, with football fans, experts, activists, and players praising the teenage icon.
It also needs to be noted that in March, Spain closed its airspace to planes of the United States involved in the US–Israel war on Iran, the latest step in the country’s opposition to the conflict. “I think everyone knows Spain’s position; it’s very clear,” the minister added, calling the war on Iran “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust”.
Spain had already said earlier this month that the US could not use jointly operated military bases in the war, which Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has described as “unjustifiable” and “dangerous”.
