The United States has pledged to prevent any attempt to ban Israel from the 2026 World Cup. Recall that the 2026 World Cup is set to be hosted in the USA, with Mexico and Canada as co-hosts.
A UN commission recently called out Israel for committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, leading to calls from UN experts and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for sporting sanctions.
However, reacting, a US State Department spokesperson said, “We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup.”
Amid reports that UEFA, the organiser of World Cup qualifying matches, could meet next week to decide whether to suspend Israel, a senior source said, “Our understanding is that UEFA leadership wants to see some action on this. Nothing is confirmed or scheduled. But there is a new, high-level pressure from many nations compared to just a month ago.”
Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness reacted, “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 PM Sanchez further compared Israel to Russia, saying, “Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image.”
The controversy recently rocked club football. During a Europa League match between PAOK and Maccabi Tel Aviv, fans displayed banners reading “Stop the genocide” and “Show Israel the red card.”
Israel has since denied committing genocide, tagging the UN report “distorted and false,” and adding that its recent actions are mainly in self-defence.
