'Israel' faces possible UEFA ban over Gaza, World Cup spot at risk

‘Israel’ is set to face a possible ban from European football (UEFA) next week, as reports indicate a majority of Executive Committee members support suspension due to its ongoing aggression on Gaza.

The vote, which would see the ‘Israeli’ national team barred from 2026 World Cup qualifiers and its clubs, including Maccabi Tel Aviv, excluded from tournaments like the Europa League, is reportedly being pushed by concerted lobbying efforts. 

As many as a sweeping majority of the 20-member Executive Committee may be in favor of the ban. 

Read more: Gaza's death toll rises to 65,502

This comes two weeks before ‘Israel’s’ men’s team is scheduled to continue its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Norway and Italy.

Calls to suspend ‘Israel’ have been growing, with critics pointing to the ban on Russian teams after the Ukraine invasion as a precedent.

While some reports suggested a vote could take place as early as this week, the ‘Israel’ Football Association (IFA) has reportedly been working with the US and applying high-level diplomatic pressure to prevent the vote from happening.

It remains unclear whether FIFA will support excluding ‘Israel’, given the close relationship between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump, whose administration’s backing is seen as crucial for delivering a successful World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.