Norway refuses to face Israel in 2026 World Cup qualifier

Norway has refused to face Israel in 2026 World Cup qualifier due to the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza saying 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.

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.

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