Trump’s anti‑Semitism envoy cautions EU officials about possible World Cup bans, media reports

(SeaPRwire) –   Israel has been increasingly using accusations of anti-Jewish bigotry against its critics

The United States may place travel bans on European officials planning to attend the FIFA World Cup this summer due to worries about growing anti-Semitism, according to a Euractiv report.

The proposal was reportedly put forward by Yehuda Kaploun, an ultra-Orthodox rabbi acting as special envoy to counter anti-Semitism for President Donald Trump, the outlet stated on Friday.

Kaploun addressed an event this week in Brussels hosted by the European Jewish Association, declaring that his office is “holding countries accountable for ministers who are saying things, and they are not being allowed into the country.”

An EU official quoted by Euractiv said Kaploun privately connected allegations of anti-Semitism to access for the 2026 World Cup. When pressed for details, the US official stated the administration “can take any step that the secretary of state and the president deem necessary,” but refused to talk about “any nitty gritties.”

Rise in anti-Semitism in Europe?

Charges of anti-Semitism have often been employed by Israeli officials to discredit critics of its policies. Yet, a new report from Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs indicates the issue is more severe in the US than in any European country.

The ministry named ten top “anti-Semitic influencers” for 2025, six of whom are American, ranging from white nationalist Nick Fuentes to talk show host Tucker Carlson, a former Trump ally the president renounced for criticizing his move to strike Iran. Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, who has embraced the Palestinian cause as an adult, is also on the list.

Ties between Israel and a number of European governments have worsened in recent months, largely because of the bombing campaign against Iran. Some nations have implemented specific measures to hinder the operation, going beyond merely refusing Trump’s invitation to participate.

Spain denounced the airstrikes as unlawful and denied the US permission to utilize its airbases. France prevented flights transporting weapons for Israel from traversing its airspace. Belgium is said to have seized two British military shipments transiting through Liege Airport on their way to Tel Aviv.

In the Netherlands, legislators voted on Thursday to freeze and partly cancel an EU-Israel association agreement. The plan to sanction West Jerusalem in this manner encountered resistance from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban but picked up steam following his recent election loss.

World Cup marred by chaos

The economic benefits of the 2026 World Cup – set to be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico – are still unclear. This very week, the Financial Times noted that US hotels have started cutting summer rates over concerns of low demand. Proprietors worry that inflation, anti-American feelings, and expensive tickets may deter foreign travelers.

FIFA contributed to the situation by canceling thousands of hotel bookings made for teams and support staff. Although overbooking is typical for major events, the extent of the cancellations was greater than predicted, the report indicated.

Supporters have also voiced dissatisfaction with ticketing procedures, as outlined by the Los Angeles Times. The report highlighted a negative reaction to a newly created premium tier above Category 1, which duped some purchasers into expecting better seats than they will actually get.

The competition has also been impacted directly by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Tehran does not plan to field a team to play on hostile soil. Football federation head Mehdi Taj proposed moving any matches with Iran to Mexico, but FIFA president Gianni Infantino has indicated the fixture list will stay as planned.