Benjamin Netanyahu reveals why he wants Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup
(Photo by Marc Israel SELLEM / POOL / AFP via Getty Images / [Paul Childs/Reuters])
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support for Argentina, saying he wants them to win the tournament.
During a recent podcast appearance, Netanyahu openly expressed his support for La Albiceleste during the 2026 World Cup.
However, the Prime Minister made it clear that his sudden allegiance to football was not inspired by Argentina legend Lionel Messi, but his admiration for the country’s leadership.
DOWNLOAD THE CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP WITH ALL THE LATEST UPDATES AND RELEASES – DIRECT TO YOUR DEVICE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
Benjamin Netanyahu wants Argentina to win
When the podcast host suggested that Messi influenced his decision to support Argentina, Netanyahu replied: “No. Prime Minister Milei before Messi.”
Netanyahu, who reportedly has arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for war crimes in Palestine and crimes against humanity, went on to praise Argentine President Javier Milei, saying: “He is a real star. A great friend of Israel.”
??| JUST: Bibi Netanyahu has ????????? announced that he supports Argentina in this FIFA World Cup. ????
[@clashreport]pic.twitter.com/zJi1Q6RIg9— Goal Side (@goalsside) July 9, 2026
The Israeli Prime Minister’s comments highlighted his growing relationship with Milei, who has been aggressively seeking closer ties with the Israeli government since taking office.
Milei has repeatedly expressed support for Israel and strengthened diplomatic ties with the country, including announcing plans to move Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem.
For Netanyahu, this political friendship took precedence over any football fandom.
The dispute between Egypt and Argentina led to proposals for political sanctions
Netanyahu supported Argentina when Argentina won 3-2 against Egypt in the round of 16.
That game was mired in refereeing controversy after French referee François Letexier made a series of recent decisions that went against the African side, including a goal disallowed by Mostafa Ziko that would have put Egypt 2-0 up.
Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a favorite source on Google to your favorites list for news you can trust
According to a report from Football Paparazzi, Egyptian manager Hossam Hassan’s support for Palestine during the World Cup is suspected to have influenced the questionable decisions made by the team in charge of the games.
After the match, Hassan was furious and accused FIFA of “injustice,” suggesting that outside factors had helped keep the reigning world champions in the tournament.
?? Hossam Hassan Speaks From the Heart
Hossam Hassan was asked if his comments about Palestine were the reason why Egypt was punished.
“I don’t want to talk about that, we were talking about helping people.
— Pitch Wire (@wire_pitch) July 7, 2026
While FIFA’s chief referee Pierluigi Collina quickly dismissed Hassan’s allegations as “baseless,” the combination of the country’s statements and the referee’s performance has kept the game at the center of global discussion as Argentina prepares for their quarter-final.
