Donald Trump Takes Drastic Action Over Plans to Ban Israel From 2026 World Cup

US President Donald Trump has taken drastic action over Israel's potential participation in the 2026 World Cup.

UEFA plan to meet next week to decide whether to ban Israel from their competitions over the ongoing war in Gaza.

A United Nations commission of inquiry declared earlier this month that Israel are committing genocide in the region - accusations denied by the Israeli regime.

Over 65,000 people, including over 17,000 children, have been killed in Gaza from Israeli attacks since the outbreak of war in October 2023, according to the territory's health ministry.

Gaza has also hit all three of the UN's definitions for famine.

According to The Times, 'most members' of UEFA's executive committee are in favour of banning Israel from European football.

The United Nations Human Rights Office, in a statement, said that a panel of UN experts had called on both FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel, as a country, from international football.

Israel currently sit third in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted by United States, Mexico and Canada.

Trump has been actively involved in promoting the tournament with FIFA president Gianni Infantino - and has now made a significant intervention.

His administration will, through the state department of secretary of state Marco Rubio, attempt to prevent sporting sanctions being placed on Israel.

A state department spokesperson told Sky News: "We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel's national soccer team from the World Cup."

Could Israel qualify for the World Cup?

If sanctions are not imposed on the country, there remains a possibility that Israel could qualify for the 2026 World Cup and play matches in the United States.

They sit in third place in their World Cup qualifying group, having picked up nine points from five games.

They face Italy, group leaders Norway and pointless Moldova in their final three matches.

Ran Ben Shimon's side were defeated 5-4 at home by Italy during the most international break in a result that could prove pivotal.

They are level on points with second-placed Italy - who occupy the play-off spot - but Gennaro Gattuso's side have a game in hand.