Trump Administration Vows to Block Potential Ban on Israel's Participation in 2026 World Cup
The Donald Trump administration has pledged to prevent any efforts to ban Israel from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This stance comes amid increasing pressure on football governing bodies to suspend Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
UN Calls for Suspension
Several experts from the United Nations Human Rights Council have called for the suspension of Israel’s national and club teams from international competitions. In a statement, they argued that such a move is a "necessary response to address the ongoing genocide in the occupied Palestinian territory." The experts urged the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to take action, stating that sporting bodies should not "turn a blind eye to grave human rights violations."
"Sports must reject the perception that it is business as usual. Sporting bodies must not turn a blind eye to grave human rights violations, especially when their platforms are used to normalize injustices." - UN Human Rights Council Experts
The UN experts emphasized that any punishment should target the State of Israel, not individual players, acknowledging that individuals should not bear the consequences of their government's actions.
US Intervention and Stance
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department told Sky News, "We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel's national soccer team from the World Cup." It remains unclear whether the Trump administration has already communicated with UEFA and FIFA to exert pressure against the ban. This firm stance underscores the strong relationship between the United States and Israel and the potential influence of the US on international sporting bodies, especially as the country co-hosts the next World Cup.
UEFA's Position and Potential Vote
UEFA, the European football governing body, is reportedly considering a vote to suspend Israel due to the war in Gaza. It is understood that a majority of UEFA's executive committee is expected to support a suspension, which would prevent Israeli national and club teams from participating in international competitions, including the World Cup. The potential suspension reflects growing unease among some European football leaders regarding Israel's actions in Gaza.
Israel's World Cup Qualifying Campaign
Israel is currently participating in the UEFA World Cup qualifying phase, positioned third in Group I. The team is tied with Italy with nine points, trailing Norway, which holds 15 points. To qualify for the World Cup, Israel needs to finish first in its group or secure a spot in the qualifier playoffs by finishing second. The team is set to resume its campaign with away games against Norway and Italy.
Past Controversies and Calls for Suspension
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has repeatedly called for FIFA to suspend Israel from competition. In April 2024, the PFA formally requested the suspension at FIFA's annual congress. While FIFA did not suspend Israel, it launched investigations into alleged breaches of its statutes by Israeli teams and authorities. These investigations remain ongoing, with the PFA criticizing the lack of "clarity or due process."
Comparisons to Russia and Contrasting Views
Comparisons have been drawn between the situations of Israel and Russia, with some figures, like Eric Cantona, highlighting perceived "double standards." After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, FIFA suspended Russia from international matches and competitions. While UEFA initially cited the differing circumstances surrounding the start of the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, pressure continues to mount for consistent application of sanctions.
Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, indirectly addressed the challenge of sanctioning countries involved in conflict. "I suffer when I see children suffer. I cry when I see mothers crying, whether it's in Gaza... anywhere in the world," he said in a recent speech.
