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1h ago

UEFA Poised to Vote on Suspending Israel as U.S. Vows to Block World Cup Ban

A UN sanction demand plus rising European dissent has accelerated a decision that could derail Israel’s qualifying campaign.

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Israel's players line up for a picture prior to the World Cup qualifier against Italy.
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Overview

  • UEFA is preparing a vote next week on suspending Israeli national and club teams, with a majority of its 20-member executive committee expected to back the move, according to Associated Press reporting.
  • The U.S. State Department said it will work to stop any effort to ban Israel from the 2026 World Cup, underscoring potential friction with FIFA decision-makers.
  • FIFA’s ruling council meets in Zurich next week, its position remains uncertain, and President Gianni Infantino’s ties to President Donald Trump add political complexity.
  • A UEFA suspension would bar Israeli teams from European competitions and could halt October qualifiers against Norway and Italy, jeopardizing Israel’s World Cup pathway.
  • Calls intensified after UN experts urged sanctions and as fan protests mounted, while Israeli officials, including the sports minister and the FA chief, lobby to avert exclusion.