Calls to exclude Israel from the 2026 World Cup are intensifying, with a pivotal vote anticipated as soon as next week.
Published On 26 Sep 2025
Amid mounting demands for sporting sanctions linked to Israel’s actions in Gaza, the United States government has declared its commitment to preventing any exclusion of Israel from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement disseminated to various news agencies on Thursday, a spokesperson from the US State Department affirmed, “We will unequivocally oppose any initiatives aimed at barring Israel’s national football team from participating in the World Cup.”
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Reports indicate increasing momentum within UEFA, the governing body for European football, to prohibit Israel from competing in European fixtures. Such a move could effectively hinder Israel’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup, especially following a recent United Nations inquiry that accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians.
According to The Associated Press, a majority of UEFA’s 20-member executive committee reportedly favors imposing a ban on Israel’s football team. This sentiment stems from concerns over perceived inconsistencies in football’s disciplinary actions, particularly when comparing responses to Israel and Russia.
While Russia faced bans from both UEFA and FIFA in 2022 after its invasion of Ukraine, Israel has continued to participate in international football events despite numerous allegations of war crimes and the UN’s recent genocide declaration concerning Gaza.
Adding to the pressure, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez recently advocated for sports sanctions against Israel, stating, “Until the atrocities cease, neither Russia nor Israel should be allowed in any global competitions.”
Reuters reports that UEFA officials are expected to convene an emergency vote next week to determine whether to enforce a ban.
It is important to note that although UEFA can bar Israel from European competitions, it lacks authority over World Cup qualifiers, which fall under FIFA’s jurisdiction.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, known for his close ties with former US President Donald Trump, has been present this week at FIFA’s New York satellite office located in Trump Tower.
Given that the majority of the 2026 World Cup matches will take place in the United States, and considering Trump’s vocal support for both the tournament and Israel, FIFA’s stance on a potential ban remains uncertain.
Jibril Rajoub, President of the Palestinian Football Association, expressed to Norway’s TV2, as reported by Reuters, that Israel deserves exclusion from the World Cup.
“Israel has breached FIFA’s core principles and statutes. Therefore, I believe sanctions are warranted,” Rajoub asserted.
“Such measures should be enforced by both UEFA and FIFA.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s Sports and Culture Minister Miki Zohar, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Moshe Zuares, head of Israel’s football association, have been actively campaigning to ensure the national team’s continued participation, according to AP.
