Norway Refuses to Play Israel in FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualification Matches
The Norwegian Football Association has announced its decision to refuse to compete against Israel in the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This unprecedented move comes in response to what Norway has described as the ongoing genocide perpetrated against millions of Palestinians since October 7, 2023.
Liz Klaveness, President of the Norwegian Football Association, confirmed the boycott and revealed that the organisation is actively urging international football governing bodies to impose sanctions on Israel. Speaking to the French channel E24 News, Klaveness addressed the situation following the qualification draw, which placed Norway in a group alongside Israel, Estonia, Moldova, and the loser of the Germany-Italy quarterfinal in the European Nations League.
Klaveness expressed her unequivocal solidarity with the Palestinian people, stating: “The Football Association supports the Norwegian government’s stance and demands an immediate halt to Israeli attacks on innocent civilians in Gaza.” She added, “None of us can remain indifferent to the ongoing atrocities in Gaza.”
The Norwegian national team had been scheduled to face Israel on 25 March and 11 October 2025. However, the association’s decision to boycott these matches has cast doubt over whether the fixtures will proceed.
The Norwegian Football Association’s call for sanctions against Israel underscores its commitment to taking a principled stand on human rights violations. This development adds to growing international scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza and reflects Norway’s broader political stance.
The situation coincides with a number of related events drawing attention to the plight of Palestinians. Louay Masoud, a promising young Palestinian footballer, was tragically killed during Israeli attacks in Gaza, while the Spanish Human Rights Association has recently recognised journalists in Gaza for their bravery in reporting under dire conditions.
As Norway’s stance resonates across the football world, the potential consequences for Group I matches remain unclear. FIFA and UEFA have yet to comment on Norway’s decision, leaving uncertainty around how the situation will be resolved. This decision could set a significant precedent for sports organisations grappling with ethical and geopolitical issues on a global stage.
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