This week, experts from the United Nations have voiced support for suspending Israel’s national soccer team and clubs from participating in competitions, per the Daily Mail. If the move passes, Israel could be banned from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and future tournaments.
The move to suspend Israel stems from atrocities committed by the Israeli Defense Force in Gaza. For over 90 years, religious and ethnic conflict has continued in modern-day Israel. This has included several wars during the Cold War. Recently however, Israel has levied more attacks on the Gaza Strip such as a recent attack on a hospital which killed health workers and journalists, according to the BBC.
According to the Associated Press, UEFA is moving towards a vote to suspend Israel. To add, a majority of UEFA’s committee has voiced support for Israel’s suspension. UEFA officials, according to Fox News, have adopted a tougher stance on Israel over time.
According to NPR, western countries such as the UK, Canada, and Australia have decided to recognize Palestine as an independent nation. UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, announced the recognition of Palestine would be “a pledge to the Palestinian and Israeli people, that there can be a better future.”
Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, said in his own announcement “since 1947, it has been the policy of every Canadian government to support a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East.”
The Israeli National Soccer team has not qualified for the FIFA World Cup since 1970, their only ever appearance. Per Goal.com, the Spanish national team may withdraw from the 2026 World Cup if Israel qualifies.
In a recent World Cup qualifier, Italy and Israel played against each other. The game was close with Italy coming out on top 5-4, per the BBC. Sandro Tonali scored the game winning goal in the 91st minute. This game had major importance both for qualifying for the World Cup and politically. Italy’s victory put them into a stronger position to qualify for the first time since 2014.
However, according to OneFootball, the Israeli national team has since claimed Italian players had “cursed at [them] the whole game”. After the game had ended, a scuffle broke out between both teams.
According to Reuters, officials who govern cycling in the UCI said they will continue to allow Israeli athletes despite pressures of boycotting.
This story is currently developing and will be updated.
