Amid calls for suspension, US defends Israel’s place in World Cup
US State Department says it will stop any attempt to ban Israel from the tournament amid growing international criticism over Gaza
ISTANBUL
The Trump administration said Thursday it will oppose any attempt to bar Israel from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, pushing back against mounting calls for Israel’s suspension over its military campaign in Gaza.
“We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup,” a State Department spokesperson told The New York Times’ The Athletic. The statement was also shared with multiple outlets.
The comments followed a group of UN experts urging FIFA and UEFA this week to suspend Israel's national football team from international competitions, calling it a "necessary response to address the ongoing genocide in the occupied Palestinian territory." They referenced the International Court of Justice’s interim order from January 26, 2024, which reminded countries of their legal duty to act against genocide. Earlier this month, a UN commission of inquiry declared that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.
At a press briefing Thursday, US President Donald Trump said he would be willing to relocate World Cup matches in 2026 — set to be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico — if safety became a concern. “If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup… we won’t allow it to go, we’ll move it around a little bit,” Trump said. When asked what he would do if host cities “did not cooperate,” Trump responded: “Well, that’s an interesting question… but we’re going to make sure they’re safe. They’re run by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they’re doing.”
The 2026 tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19.
Israel is scheduled to face Norway in a World Cup qualifier on Oct. 11 in Oslo. The Norwegian Football Federation said ticket revenue from the match will be donated to humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez last week also called for Israel’s exclusion from international sports. "Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image," he said. According to media reports, the country may boycott the World Cup if Israel qualifies.
