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US Vows to Stop Israel Ban from 2026 World Cup Amid Genocide Allegations
The United States says it will block any attempt to ban Israel from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite growing calls for sanctions after a UN report accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. UEFA may consider Israel’s suspension, while leaders like Spain’s Pedro Sanchez push for action.
The United States has vowed to resist any attempt to exclude Israel from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Mexico and Canada.
Calls for sporting sanctions have intensified after a UN commission accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza — a charge echoed by some UN experts and supported by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
A US 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, the body responsible for World Cup qualifying in Europe, may convene next week to consider whether to suspend Israel. A senior source noted: “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 emphasized the moral responsibility of football bodies, saying: “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 Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez drew a direct comparison to Russia’s expulsion from international sport after its invasion of Ukraine, stating: “Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image.”
The backlash has also spread to club football. During a Europa League match between PAOK and Maccabi Tel Aviv, fans held banners reading “Stop the genocide” and “Show Israel the red card.”
Israel has firmly rejected the genocide allegations, dismissing the UN report as “distorted and false” and insisting its actions are acts of self-defense.
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