Israel’s World Cup Qualifying Status Remains Intact Amid UEFA Suspension Considerations

Despite mounting international pressure and a potential suspension from UEFA competitions, Israel's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers remains unaffected.

UEFA is contemplating a ban on Israeli clubs and national teams from its tournaments, including the Europa League and Nations League, in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. A vote on this matter is anticipated to occur this week, with a majority of UEFA's 20-member executive committee reportedly in favor of the suspension.

However, such a ban would not extend to FIFA-organized events, such as the World Cup qualifiers, which are managed by UEFA in coordination with FIFA. Therefore, Israel is expected to continue its participation in the European qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA has not indicated any intention to impose a ban on Israel's participation in the World Cup qualifiers. The United States government has also expressed strong opposition to any such move, pledging to intervene diplomatically to prevent Israel's exclusion from the tournament. This stance is particularly significant as the U.S. is one of the host nations for the 2026 World Cup.

While UEFA's potential suspension would bar Israeli teams from its competitions, it would not automatically preclude Israel from World Cup qualification. The Israeli national team is set to resume its qualifying campaign in October, with upcoming matches against Norway and Italy. Should these fixtures proceed as scheduled, Israel's path to qualification would remain intact.

In summary, despite the possibility of a UEFA suspension, Israel's participation in the World Cup qualifiers is secure, barring any unforeseen developments. The situation underscores the complex interplay between regional politics and international sports governance.

Source: The Guardia