Lamine Yamal could miss the chance to win a World Cup as a teenager following a recent statement by Spain’s national government.

Lamine Yamal’s World Cup dream is in danger of collapsing before it even begins due to a recent threat by Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez.

The Barcelona wonderkid, already crowned a European champion at just 17, was tipped to emulate Kylian Mbappe and lead Spain to glory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sealing himself as a great early in his career.

Now, his path to greatness could be blocked, not by Brazil, Argentina or France, or any other main contender for the Mundial, but by international politics.

What Pedro Sanchez said

Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, during a Socialist Party rally in Madrid, called for Israel’s exclusion from international events like Eurovision and the World Cup due to their military activity in Gaza.

He threatened that Spain could refuse to participate if Israel are allowed, arguing that Russia are being punished by FIFA and UEFA for occupying Ukraine.

“Why expel Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and not expel Israel after the invasion of Gaza?” Sánchez asked the rally, per Al Jazeera. “Until the barbarity ends, neither Russia nor Israel should be in any international competition.”

Sánchez’s government has already scrapped a €700 million arms deal with Israel in addition to pushing for international sporting bans.

Sanchez is also not alone in this, as Spain’s Sports Minister, Pilar Alegría, backed the Prime Minister. At the same time, government spokesman Patxi Lopez said Israel should be “excluded from all international competitions.”

It remains to be seen whether Spain will go through the threat, or if Israel will be banned. One thing is certain, however, if La Roja miss the 2026 tournament, their absence will be filed under the many “what could have been’s” in football. They are the current world number one and are one of the favourites to lift the trophy.