According to Associated Press news agency, the US government will strongly reject international calls to ban Israel from the 2026 World Cup, as UEFA - the European football governing body - is approaching a vote that could suspend Israel from international tournaments.
Currently, the Israeli football team is ranked 3rd in Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe. The top team will qualify directly for the final round, while the second-placed team will play the play-off.
However, Israel is facing difficulties ahead when having to visit two strong opponents, Norway (top group) and Italy (second group) in the series of matches in October.
According to international media, the majority of the 20 members of the UEFA Executive Committee are expected to support suspending Israel from international tournaments if there is a vote.
If this happens, Israel's dream of making the World Cup for the first time since 1970 will be broken. Israeli clubs, including Maccabi Tel Aviv, are also out of the Europa League.
Meanwhile, FIFA is also under great pressure. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has a close relationship with former US President Donald Trump, in the context that the US will co- host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
