Overview

• El Correo reports that the Basque and Palestinian federations have agreed the fixture without formal public confirmation.
• The arrangement was made without prior notice to the regional territorial federations, raising procedural questions.
• The proposed date coincides with days reserved for 2026 World Cup qualifying matches on the international calendar.
• It would be the first commitment for the Basque representative side under new president Iker Goñi after a failed bid to schedule a March 2025 friendly.
• The San Mamés plan comes after prominent pro‑Palestine demonstrations in Bilbao, including Vuelta stage disruptions and a large banner displayed in Athletic’s north stand.