Washington: The United States government has pledged to oppose any efforts to bar Israel from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid mounting international calls for sporting sanctions in response to allegations of genocide in Gaza.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson, speaking to multiple media outlets on Thursday, stated:
“We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national football team from the World Cup.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the U.S. playing a central role both as host and political stakeholder.
Growing Pressure Within UEFA:
The statement comes as pressure builds within the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to suspend Israel from its competitions. According to reports by the Associated Press, a majority of UEFA’s 20-member executive committee now supports a ban on Israel, reflecting concerns over what critics call an inconsistent stance in comparison to Russia’s treatment.
Russia was banned by both UEFA and FIFA in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine, yet Israel has continued to participate in international football despite a rising number of war crimes allegations — and a recent UN Commission of Inquiry formally accusing Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Calls for Consistent Standards:
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez intensified calls for action last week, stating:
“Until the barbarity ends, neither Russia nor Israel should be in any international competition.”
While UEFA can suspend Israel from European matches and competitions, including the UEFA Nations League and European Championship qualifiers, only FIFA can determine eligibility for the World Cup. Israel has been competing in UEFA’s confederation since 1994 due to geopolitical challenges in its home region.
FIFA Yet to Respond:
FIFA has not yet issued an official statement regarding the growing calls to exclude Israel from World Cup qualification. However, legal experts note that the organization could come under pressure to justify unequal treatment between member nations accused of serious violations of international law.
The World Cup qualifiers are scheduled to begin in early 2026, and political tensions surrounding the tournament’s integrity may intensify if no unified stance is reached by international football authorities.