The United States has firmly declared it will oppose and block any attempt to exclude Israel from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which it is set to co-host with Mexico and Canada.
This comes in response to a recent United Nations commission report accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, a finding that has fueled mounting international calls for sporting sanctions. Several UN experts and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have publicly urged action against Israel’s continued participation in global sports platforms.
A spokesperson for the US State Department told BBC Sport:
“We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, UEFA—the governing body that oversees the European qualifiers for the World Cup—may convene next week to deliberate on whether to suspend Israel. According to a senior UEFA source, momentum is growing among member nations:
“Our understanding is that UEFA leadership wants to see some action on this. Nothing is confirmed or scheduled. But there is a new, high-level pressure from many nations compared to just a month ago.”
Norwegian Football Federation President Lise Klaveness added that Europe’s football bodies cannot remain silent:
“We cannot and will not be indifferent to the humanitarian suffering that is taking place in the region, especially the disproportionate attacks against civilians in Gaza.”
Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez drew a parallel between Israel and Russia, whose national team was banned following its invasion of Ukraine. He argued:
“Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image.”
The controversy has also spilled into club competitions. During a Europa League fixture between PAOK and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv, supporters unfurled banners reading “Stop the genocide” and “Show Israel the red card.”
Israel has categorically denied the genocide allegations, rejecting the UN report as “distorted and false.” Israeli officials maintain that their military actions are acts of self-defense against attacks from Gaza.
