Will Israel host? UEFA President: "Jerusalem is a special city"

Over the years, major sports events in Israel have often seemed like a distant dream, but in recent years, there has been a growing momentum in hosting sports events. Just yesterday (Tuesday), it was announced that the European Championship for under-19 national teams will take place in Israel. During the visit of the UEFA president to Israel, the possibility of Israel hosting the final of a major adult tournament was presented.

About two months ago, it was reported that Israel had submitted a proposal to host the final of the UEFA Nations League, the third European tournament in importance. Today, the plan advanced another step as Moshe Lion, the Mayor of Jerusalem, presented it to the UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin, who was visiting Israel. Čeferin remarked, "Jerusalem is a unique city with a rich history, a vibrant present, and a promising future."

The meeting took place in the office of the Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion, and present at the meeting were not only the UEFA president but also the chairman of the Israel Football Association, Moshe Zuares, and the CEO of the Jerusalem Municipality, Itzik Larry. At the heart of the meeting, Mayor Moshe Lion presented the plan for hosting the UEFA Nations League final for the 2026/27 season to the UEFA president.

UEFA President on Jerusalem: "A special city with a tremendous history, an encouraging present and a wonderful future"

The Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion, and the CEO of the Jerusalem Municipality, Itzik Larry, committed to upgrading the facilities in Jerusalem as needed to meet UEFA's requirements for hosting the UEFA Nations League final. Additionally, the Mayor congratulated the UEFA president on the announcement that the European Under-19 Championship will take place in Israel.

The meeting with the President of UEFA (Photo: Dor Pazuelo)

Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion: "I congratulate UEFA President Mr. Čeferin on his visit and willingness to bring some of the world's most important football matches to Jerusalem. Jerusalem boasts upgraded sports facilities of the highest quality, and in the coming years, we will continue to enhance our existing facilities. We want international games to take place here, and we will do whatever is required to promote this in front of UEFA and the Football Association. I thank the chairman of the Israel Football Association, Moshe Zuares for his commitment to Jerusalem."

UEFA President, Aleksander Čeferin: "I appreciate the visit, the hospitality, and the excellent discussion with the Mayor of the city and its officials. Jerusalem is a unique city with a rich history, a encouraging present, and a promising future. I'm definitely pleased with the desire to host the Conference League final, but it's understood that I cannot commit to it. Each of the competing cities offers appealing options for fans and teams, and of course, we aim for the best."

Herzog with Čeferin (Photo: The President's House Spokesperson)

Later, Čeferin met with the President of the State, Isaac Herzog, who thanked him for the decision that Israel will host the European Under-19 youth tournament in 2027 and congratulated him on UEFA President's recognition of the advancement of Israeli football and the historic achievements it has reached. They also discussed the need and efforts to combat violence in sports venues.