Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
FIFA Israel Palestine match plans are being considered for the opening game of a new under-15s tournament in the United States this September, with the governing body looking at a symbolic fixture to start the event.
The tournament is not an official Under-15 World Cup, but it will be open to all 211 FIFA members, including Russia, which remains banned at senior level.
The proposal comes before another major international football date, with Argentina vs Algeria World Cup 2026 Preview: Former Champions Aim to Continue Strong Start keeping attention on global football. Fans can follow official updates through the FIFA website.
Infantino Pushes Football Message
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is said to be central to the plan, with Miami viewed as the most likely venue because of FIFA’s offices in the city.
The boys’ tournament is set to launch first, with a girls’ edition planned 12 months later before FIFA moves toward two separate youth festivals each year from 2028.
The idea follows an awkward moment at FIFA’s congress in Vancouver, where Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub refused to stand alongside Israel Football Association vice-president Basim Sheikh Suliman.
Infantino later linked the under-15s event to his wider message about children and football.
“Let me thank the two representatives from Israel and from Palestine, who have the same rights, duties and obligations, who are members of Fifa,” Infantino said. “We will work together, let’s work together to give hope to the children, let’s work together for that.
“We have a beautiful under-15 tournament coming up, where we will invite all 211 countries to participate, all the children of the world, let’s do it for that. Let’s work together. You have my commitment, you have the support of the whole room.”
Vancouver Moment Still Lingers
FIFA sources rejected the view that the proposal risks stepping into Israeli-Palestinian politics, despite the failed handshake attempt in Vancouver.
A FIFA source said a handshake had been agreed in advance before Rajoub changed his mind during the speeches.
Palestinian Football Association vice-president Susan Shalabi later told Reuters: “I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are suffering.”