TORONTO, CANADA June 12, 2026 — On the day Canada opened its historic hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, pro-Palestine activists staged a high-profile protest by draping a large red banner reading “KICK ISRAEL OUT OF FIFA” over the city’s prominent World Cup 2026 logo installation.
The action took place near a major transit area in Toronto, with video footage showing a group of demonstrators, some wearing T-shirts stating “Jews say no to genocide,” quickly unfurling the banner over the official FIFA Toronto sign. The banner also featured Palestinian flag colors and was accompanied by calls for the release of detained Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya.
Activists argued that FIFA should follow its precedent of suspending Russia following the invasion of Ukraine and exclude Israel due to its military operations in Gaza and the presence of Israeli football clubs in West Bank settlements. They accused the organization of applying double standards in sports governance.
FIFA has previously stated that calls to exclude Israel relate to unresolved geopolitical issues outside its direct sporting remit, and the Israeli Football Association remains a full member.
The protest drew mixed reactions online, with supporters praising the visibility and critics calling it disruptive or unrelated to the sporting event. Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Group B opener at BMO Field (Toronto Stadium), with Cyle Larin scoring a late equalizer for the co-hosts’ first-ever World Cup point.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions intersecting sports, politics, and human rights debates as the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, gets underway.
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