FIFA reportedly pushes Israel-Palestinian youth opener for inaugural U15 tournament

FIFA is reportedly trying to arrange the opening match of its first under-15 soccer tournament as a game between Israel and Palestine, according to the New York Times. The event is expected to be held in September in the United States and would be open to all 211 FIFA member associations, including Russia, which has been barred from international competitions since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The plans have run into major practical obstacles. At a conference last month, FIFA president Gianni Infantino sought to get representatives of Israel and the Palestinian side photographed together on stage as part of the effort to advance the idea, but Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub refused.

The Israeli side has signaled willingness in principle. In response, a spokesperson for the Israel Football Association said chairman Moshe Zoaresz has repeatedly said publicly, including at the FIFA Congress, that Israel is ready to use football as a tool for normalization and peace, and that it hopes to find a brave partner on the other side.