UEFA is anticipated to convene a special virtual executive committee meeting next week, a gathering that could potentially result in Israel being suspended from participating in European football at both national and club levels. The background to this development is complicated, as the majority of matches for the upcoming 2026 World Cup will occur in the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament along with Canada and Mexico.
The U.S. government has stated firmly that it will take actions to prevent any attempts to exclude Israel from the World Cup next summer. This statement comes in light of a report from a United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry, which concluded that Israel has allegedly committed acts of genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, prompting calls for sporting sanctions against the country. However, Israel’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed the report as “fake” and based entirely on untruths.
In a related statement, a representative from the U.S. State Department informed Sky News that, “We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup.” This goes to emphasize the nation’s commitment to ensuring Israel’s participation in the prestigious tournament.
Israel is currently vying for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, aiming to qualify for their first major tournament since 1970. Presently, they find themselves in third place in their qualifying group, trailing six points behind leaders Norway, and tied on points with second-placed Italy, who have one game in hand. Their next crucial matches include a face-off against Norway in Oslo on October 11 and a game against Italy in Udine on October 14.
UEFA’s 55 member associations have expressed concern over Israel’s ongoing involvement in European football, with both the Italian and Norwegian football associations raising issues about the complexities of competing against Israeli teams. The potential upcoming executive committee meeting signifies a decisive moment for European football governance and its response to geopolitical tensions.
Looking ahead, Maccabi Tel Aviv remains the only Israeli club still participating in UEFA’s club competitions this season. They have significant Europa League matches scheduled against Dinamo Zagreb, Midtjylland, and they will be visiting Aston Villa on November 6, which adds to the critical nature of the emerging discussions.
Jibril Rajoub, the president of the Palestinian Football Association, expressed his views to Norway’s TV2, stating, “I believe that Israelis should not be allowed to participate in any matches, whether they are UEFA or FIFA regulated. Israel has violated principles, values, and FIFA’s statutes. Therefore, I believe that sanctions should be imposed on Israel. I hope UEFA will embrace the spirit of their statutes. It is their responsibility to uphold their own laws.”
In response, Moshe Zuares, president of the Israeli Football Association, shared his perspective with TV2 by praising UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin for his efforts to keep football inclusive. He highlighted the understanding that while the sporting world may seem disconnected from political conflicts, the desire for peace is paramount. “I really want the war to end. I pray every day for it. I long for a day when our children can play with Palestinian children. Our issue lies solely with Hamas, not with the Palestinian people,” he remarked. Zuares firmly believes halting football will not resolve the broader issues at hand.
The 2026 men’s World Cup is poised to be the largest ever. With an expanded format featuring 48 teams—16 more than competed in Qatar 2022—this tournament will also mark a historic moment as it will take place across three host nations for the first time ever, setting the stage for an unforgettable event in the world of football.
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