United States President Donald Trump has signaled his intention to intervene should FIFA move to ban Israel from next summer’s World Cup, which will be staged across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
The development comes after the United Nations this week urged international sporting bodies to suspend Israeli teams over the war in Gaza, accusing the country of committing genocide — allegations Israel has firmly rejected.
According to Sky News, a spokesperson for Marco Rubio’s state department said, as quoted by the UK website, Daily Mail: “We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has yet to respond directly to the UN’s call. Speaking in New York this week, he admitted sanctions are difficult when countries are involved in conflicts, but added, “I suffer when I see children suffer. I cry when I see mothers crying, whether it’s in Gaza… anywhere in the world.”
Still, the global governing body has precedent — Russia remains barred from international football due to its war in Ukraine.
Israel, meanwhile, is in contention to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, currently tied with Italy on points in Group C.
They face Norway on October 11 before taking on Italy three days later. The group winner qualifies automatically, while the runner-up heads into a playoff.
Norway’s football federation has already pledged to donate profits from its qualifier against Israel to humanitarian aid in Gaza, with its president, Lise Klaveness, saying: “Neither we nor other organisations can remain indifferent to the humanitarian suffering and disproportionate attacks that the civilian population in Gaza has been subjected to for a long time.”
AP
