FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said that they “cannot solve geopolitical problems” amid growing pressures to exclude Israel from the 2026 World Cup.
This follows the United Nations’ September conclusion that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The Israelis have since denied these claims.
Infantino was also quick to say: “Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity.
“FIFA can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural, and humanitarian values.”
In an Instagram post, he reiterated “FIFA’s commitment to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world” after meeting with Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub.
Amnesty International has joined a growing list of organisations in urging football’s governing body to suspend them from the tournament, stating that Israel has “used starvation as a weapon” against the Palestinians.
FIFA Vice President, Victor Montagliani, was keen for UEFA to make the decision: “[Israel] is a member of UEFA, no different than I have to deal with a member of my region for whatever reason. They have to deal with that.”
In fact, Israel would be local to the Asian region, but they were removed from their football confederation in 1974 after surrounding teams refused to play them. Since 1991, they have competed under the European umbrella.
As it stands, the nation would fail to progress to the World Cup regardless of FIFA or UEFA’s decision if they’re unable to topple either Italy or Norway in their qualifying group.
They currently sit six points behind the Scandinavian group leaders.
