Fans with a banner calling for the ban of Israel from football over the country's war on Gaza
The United States government has pledged to “work to fully stop” attempts to ban Israel from the 2026 World Cup.
According to the BBC, a US State Department spokesperson made the vow while reacting to reports of a potential football ban on Israel over its war in Gaza.
Earlier this month, A United Nations commission of inquiry said Israel has committed acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
UN experts then advised global sporting authorities to sanction the country for its actions.
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Sources within UEFA have revealed that the football governing body is considering suspending Israel from participating in its football competitions.
Israel, although geographically located in Asia, is a member of UEFA. The country plays its World Cup qualification matches against European teams.
However, the US State Department said it will push back against such sanctions against Israel.
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“We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup,” a US department of state spokesperson said.
The US will co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.
Israel has been shelling the Gaza Strip in its war against Hamas for almost two years. The conflict has claimed the lives of 60,000 Palestinians and left millions starving and displaced.
Attempts to establish a ceasefire have proven futile within the period, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, for alleged war crimes.
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Recently, the UK, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and a host of other nations have begun to recognize the state of Palestine against the intention of the Israeli state.
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