WASHINGTON/LONDON — The United States said it will oppose any attempt to exclude Israel’s national team from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the US will co-host with Mexico and Canada, as calls mount in parts of Europe for sporting sanctions following a UN commission’s finding alleging genocide in Gaza—an allegation Israel denies.
“We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup,” a US State Department spokesperson told BBC Sport.
The pressure is building in European football. UEFA, which oversees European World Cup qualifying, could convene as early as next week to consider whether to suspend Israel, according to a senior source who said “high-level pressure from many nations” has intensified. No meeting has been formally announced.
Several political and football figures have urged action. Norwegian FA president Lise Klaveness said the game “cannot and will not be indifferent” to humanitarian suffering, citing “disproportionate attacks against civilians in Gaza.” Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez compared Israel to Russia—banned from FIFA/UEFA competitions after the invasion of Ukraine—arguing Israel “cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image.”
The debate has spilled into club football. During a Europa League tie between PAOK and Maccabi Tel Aviv, fans displayed banners reading “Stop the genocide” and “Show Israel the red card.”
Israel rejected the UN report as “distorted and false,” insisting its military actions are self-defense.
Any move to bar Israel would require complex coordination between UEFA and FIFA, and would test consistency with precedents set for Russia. Washington’s stance signals potential geopolitical pushback as football’s governing bodies weigh unprecedented pressure ahead of a North American-hosted World Cup.
