Athletic Club midfielder Oihan Sancet stated he hopes to play in a FIFA World Cup for the Basque Country national team one day, El Correo reported on Thursday.
Sancet made the remark at Lezama during preparations for the upcoming friendly fixture against Venezuela. The match is scheduled for Saturday at 20:00 local time (18:00 UTC) at San Mamés in Bilbao.
“Es un orgullo jugar con la selección que amas y ojalá se consiga y podamos disputar algún día un Mundial con la selección de nuestro país,” Sancet said.
The midfielder debuted for Spain’s senior national team in 2023 during a UEFA Euro qualifying match against Scotland, scoring on his debut. He is now set to make his first appearance for the Basque squad, known as the tricolor.
Sancet declared himself fully recovered from a recent muscle injury that sidelined him for four matches. He expects Saturday’s minutes against Venezuela to help him regain competitive match fitness.
Head coach Jagoba Arrasate adjusted his roster following late withdrawals due to minor fitness issues. Osasuna goalkeeper Aitor Fernández and Athletic Club defenders Dani Vivián and Hugo Rincón dropped out of the squad.
Arrasate called up Real Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero, Espanyol defender Andoni Gorosabel, and Athletic Club midfielder Beñat Prados as replacements. Real Sociedad central defender Igor Zubeldia also addressed reporters at Lezama on Thursday, echoing positive sentiments about the team’s international potential.
The fixture showcases the Basque Football Federation's bid for official international recognition from Spain's Superior Sports Council. Federation officials and players point to recent successes in sports like surfing and Basque pelota as proof of viability.
Pelota recently secured world titles in individual and pairs Cesta Punta, alongside a gold medal in paired hand pelota. Arrasate said that these athletic achievements demonstrate the capability and desire required for broader sporting representation.
“Cada deporte tiene sus matices y seguramente habrá intereses, pero el primer paso es querer de verdad y creo que es así,” Arrasate said.
For the first time, the Euskal Selekzioa scheduled a two-day training camp. The squad completed an open-door training session on Friday morning at the Plaine des Sports de Chantaco-Stade René Lacoste in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Following the session, players and federation officials planned a floral tribute at the local cemetery containing the remains of José Antonio Aguirre, the first Lehendakari of the Basque Government. Saturday’s match coincides with commemorations marking the 90th anniversary of that administration.
Arrasate intends to field two different starting XIs to ensure all called-up players see action. He acknowledged the high expectations following last year’s emotional fixture against Palestine at San Mamés, which drew over 51,000 spectators.
“Cuando los jugadores se ponen esta camiseta, dan lo mejor que tienen,” Arrasate said.
The match takes place on Saturday at 20:00 local time (18:00 UTC) at San Mamés stadium in Bilbao.
Players and federation officials view the game as a key showcase to advance efforts for official international recognition, following similar formal status achieved in surfing and Basque pelota.
Jagoba Arrasate manages the squad, having planned two distinct lineups to give every selected player minutes on the pitch.
