US Threatens To Thwart FIFA’s Attempt To Ban Israel In 2026 World Cup
US Threatens To Thwart FIFA’s Attempt To Ban Israel In 2026 World Cup
The United States has come out swinging, warning it will block any attempt to boot Israel out of the 2026 World Cup, which America is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada.
A UN report accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, setting off calls from UN experts and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for sporting sanctions.
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 bosses are weighing their options, with one senior source admitting, “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.”
Spain’s Prime Minister Sanchez piled on, declaring, “Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image.”
The anger exploded in club football too. During a Europa League clash between PAOK and Maccabi Tel Aviv, fans unfurled banners reading “Stop the genocide” and “Show Israel the red card.”
Israel has dismissed the UN report as “distorted and false” and insists its military actions are acts of self-defense.
