Israel faces World Cup ban today

Israel’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers may be in jeopardy as Qatar reportedly pressures UEFA to suspend the country from all its competitions following a recent Israeli strike in Doha.

Reports from Israel Hayom and Channel 12 claim Qatar, one of UEFA’s biggest financial backers, is lobbying for an emergency vote on Israel’s participation. UEFA’s official website, however, lists December 3 as its next meeting date.

Officials of the Israel Football Association have denied knowledge of any vote, but admitted they are working “on all fronts” to rally diplomatic and sporting allies against the move, Daily Mail reports. Germany and Hungary are said to be opposing Qatar’s push.

Israel currently sits third in its World Cup qualifying group behind Italy and risks losing its campaign progress if expelled.

The development comes amid mounting international pressure on Israel over its war in Gaza. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and leaders of Canada and Australia have recently recognised Palestine as a state — moves that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blasted as a “reward” for Hamas.

UEFA’s ties with Qatar remain strong, with Qatar Airways renewing a six-year sponsorship deal worth £436m last year.

Meanwhile, Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has joined calls for Israel’s suspension, comparing the situation to FIFA and UEFA’s swift ban on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.