FIFA World Cup 2026: Coaches push for European National Team to be excluded from Qualifiers

With the conclusion of the Nations League and Portugal crowned champions, European international soccer now turns its attention to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. UEFA Qualifiers will determine which teams from the continent earn a spot in the tournament, though some nations, such as Russia, have already been banned. Now, calls are being made to add another team to that list.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine prompted FIFA and UEFA to bar Russia from international competitions. Following this precedent, the Italian Football Coaches Association (AIAC Nazionale) sent an open letter urging the Italian Football Federation to request that Israel be suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Titled “Israel Must Stop. Football Must Act Too,” the letter appeals to Italian Federation President Gabriele Gravina and other national federations to support the Palestinian people and formally request UEFA and FIFA intervention.

So far, no action has been taken by the Italian Federation, and it remains up to Gravina and the organization to decide whether to formally pursue the complaint against Israel.

Italian Football Federation President Gabriele Gravina speaks during an event. (Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Italy and Israel set to face off in UEFA Qualifiers

Italy are scheduled to visit Israel on September 8 for a crucial UEFA Qualifiers doubleheader that could significantly affect both teams’ chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup—or at least securing a playoff spot.

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Norway currently lead the group with 12 points from four matches, while Israel sit above Italy with six points from three games compared to Italy’s three points from two matches.

Other National Teams excluded by FIFA

Russia aren’t the only nation barred from FIFA competitions. Congo and Pakistan have also faced suspensions. Congo was suspended due to third-party interference in its soccer federation, while Pakistan was suspended for failing to update its constitution to ensure democratic and fair elections, a FIFA requirement.