Switzerland Women's Soccer Team May Boycott World Cup Playoff Against Israel

The Swiss women's national soccer team is considering boycotting their upcoming World Cup playoff match against Israel, scheduled just four days away. The team's technical director, Johan Djourou, stated that discussions with the players are ongoing and that any decision regarding a boycott will be made after listening to their ideas. "The discussion is open," Djourou said. "We will talk to the players and listen to them, hear their ideas and accept them. The players have priority." He expressed personal disappointment and anger over the situation involving "these children and families there," but emphasized that "sport is the focus" for the upcoming match, and he would respect the Israeli players. A spokesperson for the women's national team, Sven Mikkosa, indicated that the association wants to listen to every player. The Swiss newspaper Blick noted that while Switzerland was not drawn against the most difficult opponent professionally, they were drawn against the most politically charged one. The Swiss Football Association has previously taken a political stance, boycotting games against Russian teams. Israel will host the first leg of the playoff in Hungary on Friday, with the return match scheduled for next Tuesday. If Switzerland boycotts, and Israel advances, they will face the winner of the Austria-Kosovo match in the next round. Seven of the eight second-round winners will qualify directly for the 2027 World Cup, while the lowest-ranked team will enter an international playoff.