Norway refuses to face Israel in 2026 World Cup qualifier; says it can't remain indifferent

The Norwegian national football team will not compete against Israel in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for Europe, as the European country cannot "remain indifferent" to the regime's unspeakable savagery toward the besieged people of the Gaza Strip.

Norwegian Football Association President Lise Klaveness announced the decision in a statement after the 2026 World Cup pitted Norway against Israel in the same group on Friday.

“The draw is difficult for us,” said Klaveness. “None of us can remain indifferent to the disproportionate attacks that Israel has inflicted on the civilian population of Gaza over a long period of time.”

Klaveness made it clear that the football team “stands with the Norwegian government in its call for an immediate halt to the disproportionate attacks on innocent civilians in Gaza.”

She said the football association is actively involved in calls for sanctions against the regime of Israel on the international stage.

“Israel is still part of (the Union of European Football Associations) UEFA competitions. We have to deal with that. We are following the situation closely with FIFA, UEFA and the Norwegian authorities.”

The matches between Israel and Norway were scheduled for March 25 and October 11, 2026.

Norway divests from Israel’s largest telecoms firm over settlement expansion

Norway’s gigantic sovereign wealth fund has sold all of its shares in Israel’s largest telecommunications company, Bezeq, over its role in expanding the settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Norway formally recognized the statehood of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders in May, saying that only a two-state solution “and respect for international law can provide lasting stability and security in the Middle East.”

It has also repeatedly condemned Israel's “brutal warfare” in Gaza, which it says is in “violation of the rules of war.”

Ties between the European country and Tel Aviv have since continued to deteriorate. Oslo has also repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire to Israel's war in Gaza. 

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