9 Countries That Withdrew From World Cup Finals as Spain Eyes Boycott

The FIFA World Cup has always been more than just football. Politics, pride, and financial struggles have often shaped the tournament’s history. 

Now, Spain, reigning European champions and one of the strongest teams heading into the 2026 World Cup has hinted that they may not take part if Israel is allowed into the competition.

If Spain follows through, it would be one of the most high-profile withdrawals in  decades. But this wouldn’t be the first time a country has pulled out of football’s biggest stage. Here’s a look at the notable withdrawals from the World Cup.

Spain’s Warning for 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. With an expanded format of 48 teams, the event is set to be the biggest ever. Spain, however, has thrown uncertainty into the mix. 

Their football federation has made it clear: if FIFA allows Israel to participate, Spain could refuse to play. Spain are currently one of the early favourites after a strong qualifying run, but a withdrawal would shock fans and also revive memories of past boycotts and disputes in World Cup history.

Historic Withdrawals From the World Cup

Uruguay in 1934

The defending champions from the first World Cup in 1930 refused to travel to Italy in 1934. Their decision was a protest, most European nations had ignored the inaugural World Cup hosted in South America, and Uruguay returned the favour by staying away.

The British Nations in 1934

That same year, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all declined to participate. They argued that their long-standing Home Championship was more important than FIFA’s tournament, showing early resistance to football’s growing international stage.

Argentina in 1938

Argentina, like Uruguay before them, withdrew in protest. FIFA had promised that the tournament would alternate between Europe and South America, but when France was chosen as host instead of returning to the southern continent, Argentina opted out.

India in 1950

India qualified automatically for the World Cup in Brazil but later pulled out. Contrary to the popular story about FIFA banning them from playing barefoot, the real reasons were financial difficulties and poor preparation.

The African Boycott of 1966

Perhaps the boldest collective action came in 1966. Every African nation withdrew from the qualifiers because FIFA had refused to guarantee the continent a direct spot in the finals. The protest worked, years later, Africa was given more representation, paving the way for memorable runs by teams like Cameroon, Senegal, and Morocco.

USSR in 1974

The Soviet Union refused to play a World Cup playoff match against Chile. The game was scheduled after General Augusto Pinochet’s coup in Santiago, and the USSR refused to send its team for political reasons. Chile advanced after “scoring” against an empty net in a surreal moment that still stands out in football history.

Chile 1973–74 Fallout

Chile’s advancement by default meant the Soviet absence left a gap in the 1974 tournament. Though Chile technically didn’t withdraw, the refusal of the USSR gave them a place in the finals without a contest.

African Influence Beyond 1966

The collective withdrawal in 1966 wasn’t the only time Africa stood up. That protest reshaped FIFA politics and remains one of the most significant boycotts in sports history, leading to better representation in later years.

Russia in Recent Times

Since 2022, Russia has been suspended from FIFA competitions due to the invasion of Ukraine. Although not classified as a traditional “withdrawal,” the ban has had a similar effect: Russia’s absence continues a long trend of politics influencing football’s global event.

What Spain’s pullout would mean

If Spain withdraws in 2026, it would mark the first major absence of a top European contender in modern times. Beyond the politics, it would affect the competition’s balance, depriving fans of seeing some of the world’s best players on the biggest stage.

The World Cup has always been a mix of sport and politics. From Uruguay in the 1930s to Africa’s united stand in 1966, football has never existed in isolation. Spain’s threat today is a reminder that the World Cup, for all its glamour, is still shaped by the world beyond the pitch.