Israel's future within UEFA is hanging in the balance as pressure mounts on the European football governing body to suspend the country from its competitions. The potential move, which could come to a head before the October World Cup qualifiers, follows increasing calls for sanctions against Israel due to its actions in Gaza.

UEFA is facing growing pressure from both inside and outside the world of soccer. A group of senior diplomats recently urged UEFA and FIFA to enact a ban following a UN report that accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The campaign group Game Over Israel protested in New York City's Times Square, demanding federations boycott matches with Israel. Voices within the game, including those from the club world, have also reportedly been speaking up in private.

UEFA's executive committee may hold a vote to determine Israel's participation in World Cup qualifying and Maccabi Tel Aviv's continued participation in the Europa League. While UEFA has stated that no meetings are scheduled until December 3rd, sources within national federations suggest that events are rapidly unfolding, increasing expectations for UEFA and its president, Aleksander Ceferin, to take action. A majority of UEFA's 20-member executive committee is expected to support a vote in favor of suspending Israeli teams from international play.

Several factors are contributing to the pressure on UEFA. Calls to exclude Israel from soccer and other sports have grown louder amidst the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has advocated for a ban on Israel from international sports events, similar to the sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. Seven independent experts working with the UN Human Rights Council have also urged FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel from international competitions.

Public sentiment also appears to be shifting, with soccer fans demanding that FIFA and UEFA suspend Israeli national teams and clubs from international games in response to its attacks on Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Lebanon. This comes against the backdrop of increasing criticism and isolation of Israel over its military campaign.

Within UEFA, member associations are reportedly shifting their positions due to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where an unprecedented Israeli bombardment and siege have led to famine. Numerous football associations and executive members are said to be willing to discuss or support a ban.

The potential suspension raises several complex issues. Italy and Norway are scheduled to face Israel in the next round of World Cup qualifiers, with Italy's match set for October 14 in Udine. Gabriele Gravina, the president of the Italian Football Federation, acknowledged the suffering in Gaza but argued that a boycott "would only favor Israel, who could in theory be boosted in their qualifying path to the tournament".

A ban from UEFA competitions would effectively end Israel's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The team currently sits third in Group I. Maccabi Tel Aviv is the only Israeli club participating in UEFA tournaments this season and has faced significant protests, most recently in Greece during a match against PAOK.

The situation is further complicated by the potential for a clash between UEFA and FIFA. Sources suggest that FIFA is unlikely to follow suit with a ban, due to President Gianni Infantino's relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump and the need to maintain positive relations with the U.S. administration ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Trump administration has signaled its opposition to any attempt to ban Israel from the World Cup. A U.S. State Department spokesperson told Sky News that the U.S. would "absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel's national soccer team from the World Cup".

Despite UEFA's rules against political messaging inside stadiums, the organization displayed banners during the Super Cup game in Udine, Italy, conveying messages such as "Stop Killing Children. Stop Killing Civilians". This could signal a shift in UEFA's stance on Israel.

The coming days appear crucial in determining Israel's future in UEFA and its prospects for the 2026 World Cup. The decision will likely be one of the most politically sensitive in soccer history.