FIFA rejects calls to exclude Israel from 2026 World Cup qualifiers

FIFA has dismissed growing calls to ban Israel from international football, stating that it cannot resolve geopolitical disputes.

Speaking on Thursday after a meeting of FIFA’s ruling council, President Gianni Infantino said the organisation’s priority is to foster peace and unity through the game, not to take sides in political conflicts.

“The responsibility of FIFA is not to solve geopolitical problems, but to promote football globally by leveraging its unifying, educational, cultural, and humanitarian values,” Infantino said.

Although Israel was not on the formal agenda, the issue arose following intensified pressure from some European football leaders amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. That push appeared to ease earlier this week after a peace initiative was announced at the White House by US President Donald Trump alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel is set to face Norway in Oslo on October 11 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, before playing Italy in Udine three days later.

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