Israel and Norway's national football teams will face off in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on March 25 and October 11. Media outlets and social media users widely circulated claims alleging that the Norwegian Football Federation refuses to compete against Israel, citing the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza.
FIFA: Israel and Norway Teams to Face Off in 2026 World Cup Preliminary Matches
On December 13, FIFA unveiled the groupings for the 2026 World Cup preliminary matches. Israel and Norway will face off on March 25 and on October 11.
The qualifiers will conclude by November, with all winners advancing to the World Cup, scheduled to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.A.
Media Outlets Alleged Norway Refused to Play Against Israel
After the FIFA announcement of the results, media outlets and social media pages amplified a claim alleging that the Norwegian Football Federation refused to face the Israeli national team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for Europe.
The claim's publishers attribute the association’s alleged refusal to the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
The claim garnered millions of views online, with users praising the Norwegian team and sharing professional designs featuring the team alongside the Palestinian flag.
Norwegian Football Association Urges FIFA to Investigate Israel Before Match
According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the President of the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF), Lise Klaveness, urged FIFA to investigate Israel for humanitarian violations ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Norway and Israel.
Klaveness expressed the NFF’s alignment with the Norwegian government’s call to end the Israeli war on Gaza and stop attacks on civilians in Gaza. She also emphasized the NFF's push for FIFA to consider sanctions against Israel.
Klaveness said, “It is difficult for us beyond the purely sporting aspect. None of us can remain indifferent to the disproportionate attacks that Israel has subjected the civilian population in Gaza to over time.”
NFF President Lise Klaveness highlighted Norway’s longstanding connection to the Palestinian Football Federation, stating, “We are closer to the region and the Palestinian Football Federation than most other European federations, as we have worked on the ground for over ten years, educating female football coaches and creating football activities for children in schools and refugee camps,” she told the Norwegian press.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian team’s head coach, Ståle Solbakken, acknowledged the complexity of the situation but expressed no hesitation about playing Israel. “I think there will be many discussions. It looks like it will be on neutral ground now,” Solbakken told NRK.
Palestinian Football Association Welcomes Norway's Call to Investigate Israel
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) expressed support for Norwegian Football Federation President Lise Klaveness’s call to investigate Israel, describing it as a “principled stance” in a statement released on Tuesday.
“The PFA expresses its full appreciation for Norway’s recognition of the ongoing violations against Palestinian civilians and athletes, aligning with its long-standing commitment to justice and the integrity of international sports,” the PFA statement read. “President Klaveness’s remarks echo the sentiments of millions around the world who believe that FIFA and the international football community cannot remain silent while grave breaches of human rights persist.”
The PFA maintained that “Israeli occupation forces are systematically targeting Palestinian sports, athletes, and infrastructure, blatantly violating FIFA regulations and international humanitarian law.”
Norway Recognizes Palestinian Statehood
In May 2024, Norway, along with Spain and Ireland, officially recognized Palestinian statehood. This joint move intensified Israel's diplomatic isolation over its genocidal campaign in Gaza.
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