Israel’s national soccer team may have to wait longer than expected before returning to play home matches on its own soil. Despite the end of fighting and ongoing efforts to restore normal sporting activity, several European federations remain opposed to resuming international games in Israel – and some have made it clear they are unwilling to travel there under any circumstances.
According to information obtained and reported by Israel Hayom, at least five UEFA member nations – including Spain, Ireland, Scotland, Slovenia, and Norway- have privately communicated their refusal to play in Israel, even after the ceasefire and recent stabilization in the security situation. Their position reflects growing political pressure in their home countries, where anti-Israel sentiment and boycotts have increasingly spilled over into the world of sports.
The stance of these federations poses a serious challenge for Israel Football Association (IFA) chairman Shino Zuaretz, who had hoped to formally request the reinstatement of international hosting rights by late 2025 or early 2026. Behind the scenes, however, sources say that a bloc of European federations is lobbying UEFA to delay or block any such decision.
'It's political'
“The issue isn’t just about soccer – it’s political,” an Israeli soccer official acknowledged. “Even though security conditions have improved dramatically, some federations are taking ideological positions against Israel. It’s unfortunate that sport, which should unite people, is being used as a political weapon.”
The IFA is now preparing a diplomatic push to secure support within UEFA’s executive committee and rebuild trust among European counterparts. Over the next two months, Israeli officials plan to intensify behind-the-scenes efforts to pave the way for a full return of international matches to Israel. While a sustained calm and a permanent end to hostilities would weigh heavily in Israel’s favor, it appears that political hostility from several countries could continue to complicate matters, regardless of security conditions on the ground.
Compounding the situation, Israel has yet to schedule any friendly matches for the March international window. The IFA’s goal is to host games at home as early as March, but uncertainty remains over which national teams – if any – will agree to travel to Israel. Continued logistical and financial strain from years of playing “home” fixtures abroad has added to the federation’s frustration.
Later this month, Israel will face Moldova away in Chișinău – technically Moldova’s home ground – following a friendly in Lithuania a few days earlier. The next official matches on Israel’s calendar are not until September, when the team begins its UEFA Nations League campaign. Israel will compete in League B after being relegated from the top division last year, finishing behind Italy, France, and Belgium. The draw for the new groupings has yet to take place.
For now, Israel’s soccer leadership remains determined to bring international competition back home – not only as a sporting milestone, but as a symbol of normalization and resilience. Whether Europe will allow that to happen, however, remains an open question.