US has pledged to oppose any effort to exclude Israel from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as calls for sporting sanctions intensify amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The 2026 tournament is set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking the first World Cup to span three nations. Debate over Israel’s participation has surged following a United Nations commission report accusing the country of committing genocide against Palestinians. The report has prompted UN experts and international figures, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to advocate for potential sanctions in sports arenas.
A US State Department spokesperson responded firmly, stating, “We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup.” The move signals Washington’s determination to shield Israel from sporting repercussions, despite growing international pressure.
Reports indicate that UEFA, which oversees World Cup qualifying matches in Europe, may meet next week to discuss Israel’s potential suspension. A senior UEFA source cautioned that while discussions are ongoing, “Nothing is confirmed or scheduled. But there is a new, high-level pressure from many nations compared to just a month ago.”
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The debate has drawn reactions from several football authorities and political leaders. Lise Klaveness, President of the Norwegian Football Federation, said, “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 went further, comparing Israel’s actions to those of Russia and asserting that the country “cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image.” Tensions have also been visible at club level: during a recent Europa League match between PAOK and Maccabi Tel Aviv, fans displayed banners reading “Stop the genocide” and “Show Israel the red card.”
Israel has rejected the UN report’s findings, describing them as “distorted and false,” and emphasizing that its operations are primarily acts of self-defense.
The controversy places international football in the crosshairs of geopolitical tensions, raising complex questions about the intersection of sports and global human rights debates. With the World Cup less than a year away, the issue is expected to remain a contentious topic in both diplomatic and sporting circles.
