World Cup 2026: US State Department vows to block attempts to ban Israel from tournament

There has been an increase in calls to ban Israel from sporting competition since the UN’s report.

And it comes amid reports that Uefa could vote on whether to suspend Israel next week. Uefa has said that no meeting is currently planned.

Israel are third in their World Cup qualifying group – organised by Uefa – on nine points, six between leaders Norway.

The top team from each group qualifies automatically for the World Cup, with the runners-up going into the play-offs.

Spanish PM Sanchez said Israel should be treated in the same fashion as Russia by being banned from international sports competitions.

“Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image,” Sanchez said.

The Russia national team have been banned from competing in international football tournaments since the country’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The Israeli FA declined to comment when contacted by BBC Sport, and Fifa has been approached for comment.

Sanchez’s comments came as the final stage of the Vuelta a Espana was abandoned earlier this month after pro-Palestinian protesters entered part of the course in the centre of Madrid.

Protesters knocked down barriers and occupied the road at several points on the course including Gran Via, where cyclists were due to pass multiple times.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing under their national flags at the 2024 Olympics.

Earlier this week, IOC president Kirsty Coventry sidestepped a question about sanctioning Israeli athletes, saying: “The sports movement has to showcase the good that is in humanity.”

Meanwhile, supporters of Greek side PAOK displayed Palestinian flags and banners during their side’s Europa League match against Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv on Wednesday.

Fans held signs in English reading “Stop the genocide” and “Show Israel the red card”.

Chants of “Free Palestine” were also heard after Maccabi supporters unfurled an Israeli flag.

The displays came after protests earlier in the day in Thessaloniki, where fans and activist groups rallied against Israel’s participation in European football.

Demonstrators submitted more than 1,900 signatures to Uefa in support of a petition launched this week, which said there could be “no fair play with representatives of genocide”.

The match had been designated high risk due to the ongoing situation involving Israel and Gaza, with PAOK warning supporters before the match: “The display of banners, messages or flags with political content could result in heavy sanctions for our club.”

Maccabi face Aston Villa at Villa Park in the Europa League on 6 November.

Additional reporting by Nikos Papanikolaou, BBC News.

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