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FIFA Statutes Provide No Clear Grounds to Sanction U.S. or Strip 2026 Hosting After Venezuela Operation

No formal disciplinary case against US Soccer has been opened.

Overview

  • FIFA’s rules target government interference in a federation’s internal affairs, which is the typical basis for suspensions.
  • The 2022 ban on Russian teams was an exceptional joint FIFAUEFA decision linked to security and integrity concerns during an active war.
  • Despite some media claims of automatic ineligibility, reporting finds no explicit provision to punish a federation solely for its government’s military action and no filing against US Soccer.
  • With venues confirmed and the tournament months away, logistics and politics make any immediate change to the 2026 host highly unlikely.
  • CONMEBOL competition rules leave Venezuelan clubs eligible for Libertadores and Sudamericana, with relocation options available if needed.