Oihan Sancet backs Basque Country World Cup bid before international debut

Athletic Club midfielder Oihan Sancet says he hopes the Basque Country will one day be able to compete at a World Cup after being called up for his regional side.

Sancet, 26, is set to make his Basque Country debut in the coming days, despite having already played four times for Spain since making his senior international debut in 2023.

The midfielder remains eligible to represent the Basque Country because its team, also known as Euskadi, is not officially recognised by FIFA or UEFA. Spain, meanwhile, has long-standing membership of both organisations, meaning its matches are official and count towards qualification for the World Cup and European Championship.

Players can therefore represent both sides, although Spain fixtures take priority.

Sancet has no intention of ending his involvement with Spain, but he has joined a group of Basque LaLiga players calling for formal recognition from Spain's National Sports Council. They also want the Basque Country to be able to compete in UEFA and FIFA competitions in the future.

“Hopefully one day we can compete at a World Cup with our country's national team up against the best,” Sancet said.

“We know it's difficult, but if everyone does their part, I think it can happen someday.

“It's an honour, and something you dream of since you are little, to play for the team you love.”

The Basque Country will play Venezuela in a friendly at Bilbao on 14 November, with Osasuna manager Jagoba Arrasate in charge.

The fixture will provide Sancet with his first appearance for the regional side, while his Spain career remains unaffected by his participation.