“FIFA has confirmed that Israeli citizens will be able to enter Qatar during the World Cup and watch the matches, as will all fans from around the world,” the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Foreign Affairs and Sports said in a joint statement. The statement added that Israeli citizens, like other foreigners, will be allowed to obtain a visa online with proof of ticket purchase, despite the absence of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“This is a diplomatic achievement that fills the hearts of fans with joy,” Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said. He added: “The love of football and sport brings people and countries together, and this World Cup opens the door to new warm relationships.” Since September 2020, Israel has normalized relations with three Arab countries, the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, and has also agreed to do the same with Sudan. Qatar severed trade relations with Israel in 2009 after the first of four wars Israel launched against Hamas in Gaza.