Israel wants to play the Copa America

The president of the Israel Football Federation wants his national team to play in Copa America as a guest soon. For this summer's Cup, there is no longer a timeframe, but, thanks to a recently signed partnership agreement with CONMEBOL, he hopes that the foundations have been laid for a relationship that could be similar to the one that led Qatar to play in the Gold Cup twice and the America Cup in 2019.

"I really hope that the Israeli national team will soon be part of one of the big tournaments organised by CONMEBOL, maybe the Copa America," said Moshe 'Shino' Zuares, the head of the institution, after a chat with Claudio Tapia, the head of the Argentinean Football Association. The country of the 'Albiceleste' will be one of those with whom there is likely to be an exchange of players in the coming seasons to strengthen the Middle East's domestic championship.

A potential presence of the Israelis at the Copa America would have to be prepared for the 2028 edition, where the host nation has not yet been decided. It is conjectured that Ecuador, which is the traditional host nation, would cooperate with Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay in order for them to carry out a kind of rehearsal for the 2030 World Cup, which is being held with Morocco, Spain and Portugal.

The confirmed participants so far are Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, i.e. the classics. Perhaps, in the event of opening the door to Israel, it will also be offered to other national teams from far away, as has already been done with Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. With this event already confirmed for 2034 in Saudi Arabia and the evolution of its league, it is not out of the question that a rapprochement could take place.

 

April 11, 2024