Israel ‘very much hope’ to feature at a future Copa America after signing ‘breakthrough’ agreement with CONMEBOL

Isreal have targeted featuring at future editions of the Copa America after signing a cooperation agreement with CONMEBOL.

The Israel Football Association (IFA) signed the agreement with South America’s continental body at CONMEBOL’s Congress in Paraguay.

The organisation released footage on their social media accounts showing IFA president Moshe Zuares signing a deal with CONMEBOL counterpart Alejandro Dominguez.

Domínguez had met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year, where increased cooperation was discussed. 

‘The IFA is Proud to join the magnificent CONMEBOL family,’ a statement read. ‘Together, for the good of the play and camaraderie.’

Israel FA chief Moshe Zuares, left, has signed an cooperation agreement with CONMEBOL

Zuares has suggested the agreement could pave the way for Israel to participate at a future editions of the Copa America.

‘This is a particularly exciting, historic moment, an international breakthrough for the Football Association,’ Zuares said in a statement.

‘We signed an agreement for cooperation with giant powers, world champions, countries where football is a cornerstone, a culture.

‘Our true friendship with Alejandro Dominguez, president of Conmebol, has given birth to wonderful fruit for Israeli football. 

‘I always come to such positions humble and curious to learn, and confident enough in what we have as an association and as a country to offer our partners. 

‘We will work hard to translate the promising agreement into a measure that will yield significant results. 

‘I really hope that the Israeli national team will be part of one of the major tournaments organised by Conmebol, perhaps the Copa America.’

Israel could follow the likes of Qatar and Japan in being invited to participate at the Copa America.

Israel’s men’s national team have yet to feature in a major tournament since the 1976 Olympics

The Copa America has featured invited teams previously with Qatar and Japan participating

Recent years have seen an increase in CONCACAF nations featuring at the tournament. 

Israel have been a member of Europe’s governing body UEFA since 1994, after being excluded from the Asian Football Confederation in 1974. Their exclusion followed a vote by AFC members after several nations refused to play against them.

The men’s national team have not played at a major tournament since the 1976 Olympic Games, but have missed out on Euro 2020 and 2024 in the play-offs.

UEFA ruled in October that no matches could take place in Israel ‘until further notice’ amid the ongoing war in Gaza.