UEFA is reportedly preparing to vote on whether to ban Israel from international soccer competitions due to the Gaza massacre, according to multiple sources shared with the Associated Press. The majority of UEFA’s 20-member executive committee is expected to back suspending Israel’s membership, though the sources requested anonymity due to the issue’s sensitivity.
If approved, Israel’s national team and club sides would be barred from international football, including the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Israel is slated to face Norway and Italy in the next two weeks.
UEFA Ban Israel Football
It remains unclear whether FIFA will support the ban, especially since FIFA President Gianni Infantino has a close relationship with former US President Donald Trump. The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, depends heavily on the Trump administration’s cooperation particularly regarding visas for players, officials, and fans to ensure smooth operations.
The US State Department has stated its opposition to any attempt to exclude Israel from the World Cup. FIFA’s 37-member executive committee, which includes eight UEFA representatives, will convene in Zurich next week, but FIFA has declined to comment on the situation so far.
