The U.S. has vowed to block attempts to ban Israel from the 2026 World Cup amid rising calls for sporting sanctions over Gaza war crimes allegations.
The United States has pledged to prevent any attempt to exclude Israel from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Mexico and Canada.
A UN commission recently accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, leading to calls from UN experts and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for sporting sanctions. In response, a U.S. State Department spokesperson told BBC Sport: “We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup.”
UEFA, which oversees World Cup qualifiers, may convene next week to consider Israel’s suspension. One senior source noted: “Our understanding is that Uefa leadership wants to see some action on this… 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, declaring: “Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image.”
The controversy has spilled into club football. Fans at a Europa League match between PAOK and Maccabi Tel Aviv held banners reading “Stop the genocide” and “Show Israel the red card.”
Israel strongly denies the genocide allegations, calling the UN report “distorted and false,” and insists its military actions are acts of self-defense.
THIS WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON THE VANGUARD