As international calls intensify to exclude Israel from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States has stepped forward with a firm stance: it will actively resist any attempt to ban Israel’s national football team from the tournament.
The push for sanctions comes in the wake of a United Nations commission of inquiry that concluded Israel has committed acts of genocide in Gaza. This has prompted several governments and human rights groups to demand sporting penalties, including suspension from international football competitions A B.
UEFA, Europe’s governing football body, is reportedly preparing for a vote that could suspend Israel from its competitions—a move that would jeopardize its World Cup qualification. Israel currently sits third in its qualifying group, with crucial matches against Norway and Italy scheduled for October B.
A spokesperson from the US State Department made the country’s position clear: “We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup” A. With the US co-hosting the 2026 tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, its influence over FIFA and logistical operations—such as visa processing and event infrastructure—is significant.
The debate has drawn comparisons to Russia’s exclusion from international football following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Critics argue that FIFA and UEFA must apply consistent standards when responding to allegations of human rights violations C D.
As UEFA’s executive committee prepares for a potential vote next week, the outcome could reshape the political landscape of global football—and test the boundaries of sport’s role in international diplomacy.
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