US Government Opposes Ban on Israel from 2026 World Cup Amid Controversy
The United States government is determined to thwart any attempts to ban Israel from participating in the 2026 World Cup.
This comes in light of a recent United Nations commission of inquiry report, which accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. As a result, a panel of UN experts, along with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, has called for sporting sanctions against Israel.
Reports suggest that UEFA, the governing body for European football, may convene as early as next week to discuss the potential suspension of Israel from World Cup qualifying matches. A senior source from a European member association informed BBC Sport, "Our understanding is that UEFA leadership wants to see some action on this. Nothing is confirmed or scheduled, but there is increased pressure from many nations compared to just a month ago."
The UN report indicated reasonable grounds to conclude that four out of five genocidal acts, as defined by international law, have been carried out since the onset of the conflict in 2023. In response, a panel of human rights experts urged FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel's national team from international competition, stating, "Sports must reject the perception that it is business as usual."
Israel has consistently denied allegations of genocide, asserting that its actions are justified as self-defense. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has labeled the UN report as "distorted and false." The upcoming World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
A spokesperson for the US State Department stated, "We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel's national soccer team from the World Cup."
Since the UN report, calls for Israel's exclusion from sporting events have intensified. Although UEFA has not scheduled a meeting, there are indications that a vote on Israel's suspension may take place next week. Currently, Israel ranks third in its World Cup qualifying group, with nine points, trailing six points behind the leaders, Norway. The top team from each group qualifies automatically for the World Cup, while the runners-up enter the playoffs.
Prime Minister Sanchez has suggested that Israel should be treated similarly to Russia, which has faced a ban from international sports competitions following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Sanchez remarked, "Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image."
FIFA has been contacted for a comment regarding these developments. Sanchez's remarks coincided with the abandonment of the final stage of the Vuelta a España earlier this month due to pro-Palestinian protesters disrupting the course in Madrid.
During a Europa League match on Wednesday, supporters of Greek team PAOK displayed Palestinian flags and banners while facing Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv. Fans held signs reading "Stop the genocide" and "Show Israel the red card," and chanted "Free Palestine" after Maccabi supporters displayed an Israeli flag.
These demonstrations followed protests in Thessaloniki, where fans and activist groups rallied against Israel's participation in European football. Demonstrators submitted over 1,900 signatures to UEFA in support of a petition asserting that there can be "no fair play with representatives of genocide." The match was labeled high-risk due to the ongoing situation between Israel and Gaza, with PAOK warning supporters that displaying political messages could lead to severe sanctions for the club.
Maccabi is set to face Aston Villa at Villa Park in the Europa League on November 6.