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yesterday

UEFA Weighs Israel Suspension, With World Cup Path Still a FIFA Decision

FIFA’s control of World Cup qualifying leaves broader action politically fraught.

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U.S. President Donald Trump wears a 'Trump Was Right About Everything!' hat while holding the FIFA World Cup Trophy, as he makes an announcement on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 22, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo
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Overview

  • Plans under consideration would bar Israel only from UEFA-run events, sidelining national teams from the Nations League and removing Maccabi Tel Aviv from the Europa League, according to the Guardian.
  • The Times reports UEFA has paused an expected executive-committee vote to allow space for a new peace proposal announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, though the option to suspend remains on the table.
  • FIFA has not moved to expel Israel, and the U.S. State Department says it will work to stop any attempt to keep Israel out of the World Cup, underscoring the split in authority and politics.
  • Israel continues 2026 qualifying in Group I, currently third with three matches left, with ‘home’ qualifiers staged in Debrecen, Hungary due to security concerns.
  • Pressure for sanctions has intensified, with Norway’s FA president calling for suspension and a UN Commission of Inquiry report alleging genocide in Gaza, which Israel rejects.