On June 12, activists in Toronto unfurled a massive red banner on top of the World Cup logo near a busy highway, publicly condemning FIFA's connection to Israel ahead of Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina [1, 2]. The banner was clearly visible to commuters on the Gardiner Expressway, drawing attention during a high-profile sporting event [1, 2].
Demonstrators wearing shirts reading "Jews for a free Palestine" dropped an additional banner demanding that FIFA "Kick Israel out of FIFA" as part of their protest [1, 2]. The activists also called for the release of Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, who was captured by the Israeli military in Gaza in late 2024 [1, 2].
Faisal Ibrahim, a spokesperson for the activists, sharply criticized FIFA's role, saying, "FIFA not only turns a blind eye to the Israel Football Association's playing of games on illegally occupied West Bank and Syrian territory, it actually actively broadcasts those games, thereby normalizing occupation and erasure, which makes FIFA an active and complicit participant" [1].
In March 2026, FIFA announced it would take no action against Israeli clubs accused of playing in disputed Palestinian territories, citing the unresolved legal status of the West Bank [1, 2]. This statement followed calls from UN experts urging FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel from international football due to ongoing conflict concerns [1, 2].
The protests occurred amid a broader backdrop of violence, including Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands and created a hunger crisis [1, 2]. Scholars and a UN inquiry have assessed the situation as genocide by some accounts, though Israel denies these accusations and characterizes its actions as self-defense after a Hamas-led attack in October 2023 killed 1,200 people and took over 250 hostages [1, 2].
The protest in Toronto represents a continued effort by activists to highlight the role of global sports organizations amid international conflict. The banners remained visible throughout the day of Canada’s World Cup match on June 12 [1, 2].