Explained: How Trump administration can save Israel from possible FIFA World Cup 2026 ban

US President Donald Trump

Any attempt from FIFA to ban Israel from participating in the 2026 World Cup will be met with disapproval by the Trump administration, Sky News has reported. This comes at a time when UEFA, the European football governing body, is heading towards suspending Israel from its competitions over the war in Gaza. With the United States wading into it, things might not be straightforward.

Why would the US try to prevent the ban?

Israel is one of the United States’ closest allies, and Marco Rubio's state department will do everything in its power to ensure that FIFA doesn't take a drastic step. “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 was quoted as saying by Sky News. The bulk of the matches at next year's World Cup would be played in the United States.

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What about the plea made via the UN?

Football’s governing bodies were urged by the United Nations advisory experts to impose sporting bans. Last year, FIFA launched an investigation into the allegations of discrimination made by the Palestine Football Association against its Israeli counterpart. FIFA hasn't yet responded to the UN advisory experts.

Can Trump influence FIFA?

Donald Trump is not only the President of the most powerful country on the planet, but he also shares an excellent relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The latter is a frequent visitor to the White House. This week, Infantino was seen meeting world leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

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The Russian analogy

A section in UEFA is in favour of banning Israel, citing Russia’s example. Russia remains banned over the war in Ukraine. However, UEFA has previously said that there is a difference between how the wars started and that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was unprovoked.

When is Israel’s next match?

Israel plays Norway on October 11 in a World Cup qualifier.