US Vows to Block Any Attempt to Bar Israel from 2026 World Cup
The United States government has pledged to oppose moves to ban Israel from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid growing calls for sanctions against the country over its ongoing war in Gaza.
The assurance came as UEFA, Europe’s football governing body, weighs an emergency vote on whether to suspend Israel from continental competitions following mounting political pressure and appeals from United Nations experts and human rights groups.
A suspension at the European level could complicate Israel’s path to World Cup qualification, as its national and club teams compete under UEFA’s jurisdiction.
Speaking through a State Department spokesperson, Washington made its position clear: “We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup.”
The statement underscores the Biden administration’s resolve to shield Israel from isolation on the global sporting stage, especially with the U.S. set to co-host the 2026 tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
The push for Israel’s suspension follows precedents in international football.
Russia was banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a move that dramatically altered the global sporting landscape. Critics argue that Israel should face similar consequences given accusations of humanitarian law violations in Gaza.
Israel has firmly rejected these claims, denouncing them as politically motivated.
If UEFA were to move forward with suspension, upcoming qualifiers could be thrown into uncertainty. Israel is due to face major European teams in the months ahead, and any exclusion would disrupt the fixtures while raising questions about points allocation and legal challenges.
Observers say the U.S. intervention highlights the sensitive intersection of sports, politics, and diplomacy.
With the World Cup less than a year away, Washington’s stance signals both its support for Israel and its determination to prevent the world’s biggest sporting event from becoming mired in geopolitical controversy.
Whether UEFA will proceed with suspension remains unclear, but the debate has already intensified divisions within the global football community and could set the stage for another clash over how sport responds to conflict and human rights concerns.
