Israel's PM Netanyahu says he'll be supporting 'great friend' Argentina for World Cup final

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared he will be supporting Argentina during the 2026 World Cup final.

Presents

In a social media post, Argentina's ambassador to Israel, Shimon Axel Whanish, presented Netanyahu with an Argentinian football jersey and an Argentinian-themed trionder football.

The pair used the ball to play a quick game, with Whanish tossing the ball to Netanyahu, who, in response, headed it through an empty doorway.

A video issued by the Government Press Office of Israel also showed Whanish playing a recorded message from Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, for Netanyahu.

The Israeli PM replied by calling Millei a great and true friend, and that he supported Millei in return, and Argentina in “so many ways, including tomorrow,” indicating the World Cup final, as reported by the Times of Israel.

Netanyahu and Milei are close allies on the international stage, with both right wing leaders professing support for each other’s countries, and Millei often acknowledged as one of the most openly pro-Israel leaders on the global stage.

Netanyahu, for his part, has touted his support for the Argentinian football team on multiple occasions, such as on Jul. 10, when he made an appearance on a local podcast.

There he confirmed his support, calling Millei an important ally of Israel, while also backing Milei’s controversial economic reforms.

Opposing calls

This is in contrast towards attitudes regarding Israel in Argentina’s opponent, Spain.

Spain’s PM Pedro Sanchez has previously called for Israel to be excluded from sports competitions and has severely criticised the country and Netanyahu’s military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon.

Spain also recently refused to open its airspace to U.S. military aircraft during the U.S.-Israel War on Iran.

The World Cup final will take place in New Jersey on Jul. 19, and will see Spain compete for its second World Cup, and Argentina its third.