• The US government vows to prevent any sanctions against Israel's national football team ahead of the World Cup 2026.
• UEFA is reportedly moving towards a vote on whether to suspend Israel from European competitions.
• Calls for a ban are intensifying following allegations of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
• UN experts and several nations, including Spain, support sanctions similar to those imposed on Russia.
• US support for Israel complicates the issue as pressure mounts on football governing bodies.

The United States has pledged to intervene to prevent any sanctions against Israel's national football team as they aim for qualification in the 2026 World Cup. A spokesperson for the US State Department declared, “We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel's national soccer team from the World Cup,” highlighting the country’s ongoing support for Israel amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where hostilities have resulted in over 65,000 Palestinian deaths, according to sources from Middle East Eye, BBC, and Aljazeera.

The urgency for a ban stems from a UN commission's conclusion that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians, prompting many to call for similar sanctions to those imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Notably, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that "Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image,” echoing sentiments shared by officials from various countries and noted by Reuters, Middle East Eye, and South China Morning Post.

Amid this backdrop, UEFA's executive committee is reportedly poised for a vote on Israel's suspension, which could prevent its teams from competing in international matches, including upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy. Many UEFA members favor such action, reflecting increasing political pressure; however, the US's staunch support for Israel poses a significant barrier against these sanctions TRT Global and Aljazeera.

Furthermore, a coalition of athletes and public figures has surfaced calling for a global suspension of Israel from football, emphasizing the need to uphold international law and condemn the humanitarian issues arising from the conflict in Gaza. Prominent athletes have rallying points underlines this activist push, as exemplified by the statement from athletes advocating for action against Israel Aljazeera and South China Morning Post.