The US has promised to block any move to exclude Israel from the 2026 World Cup, which it will co-host with Mexico and Canada.
A UN commission has stated that Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, prompting UN experts and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to demand athletic sanctions.
A US State Department spokeswoman told BBC Sport, “We will absolutely work to completely stop any attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup.”
UEFA, which oversees World Cup qualifying matches, may convene next week to determine whether to sanction Israel. One senior insider stated, “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 said, “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 compared Israel to Russia, saying, “Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image.”
The controversy has spread to club football. During a Europa League match between PAOK and Maccabi Tel Aviv, fans held banners that said “Stop the Genocide” and “Show Israel the Red Card.”
Israel denies committing genocide, describing the UN assessment as “distorted and false,” and claims its acts are in self-defense.
