The Donald Trump administration will block FIFA from banning Israel from taking part in the 2026 World Cup.
European football’s governing body, UEFA, will reportedly conduct voting next week to suspend Israel over the war in Gaza.
It is not yet confirmed if FIFA will back UEFA’s decision or follow suit.
However, the United States government is ready to fight against any attempt to bar Israel from participating in next year’s tournament.
“We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup,’ a US State Department spokesperson told Sky News.
Israel have already played five World Cup qualifying matches and remain in contention to feature in next year’s competition, although they have not reached a major tournament since 1970.
