Norway’s national football team defeated Israel 4–2 in the first leg of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers (AFP)
August 21, 2025
The Norwegian Football Association has announced that it will donate the proceeds from its upcoming World Cup qualifier against Israel to humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza, which has been under Israeli assault since October 7, 2023.
Norway will host Israel on October 11, 2025, at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo in a Group 9 qualifier for the 2026 World Cup.
In a statement, the Norwegian FA said it “cannot remain indifferent” to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, now entering its 22nd month.
FA president Lise Klaveness declared:
“We, like other organizations, cannot stand idly by in the face of the humanitarian suffering and the attacks that civilians in Gaza have endured for so long. We want to donate the proceeds to a humanitarian organization working daily to save lives in Gaza and provide emergency aid directly on the ground.”
Meanwhile, the Norwegian FA is working with UEFA and local police on security arrangements for the match. The additional measures are expected to reduce stadium capacity by about 3,000 seats. Ullevaal normally holds 26,000 spectators for national team matches.
Norway currently tops Group 9 with 12 points from four matches. Israel sits second with 6 points from three matches, while Italy is third with 3 points from two matches.
The first meeting between Norway and Israel took place on March 25, when the Scandinavians claimed a 4–2 victory. That match also witnessed strong public solidarity in Norway with the Palestinian people.
At the time, Norwegian players expressed reluctance to play against Israel but said the decision was out of their hands, pointing to possible sanctions if they refused.
Norway captain Martin Ødegaard, who also plays for Arsenal, said:
“We cannot ignore the circumstances surrounding this match. What is happening there (in Gaza) is horrific, but we have to face the reality that UEFA has decided the game must go ahead. Everyone knows how terrible the situation is.”
He added that there had been internal discussions among players about the war in Gaza.
Growing Criticism of Israel in Sports
Israel continues to face international pressure in the sports arena. Most recently, Italy’s football coaches’ association (AIAC) called for Israel to be suspended from international competitions.
In a letter sent to the Italian Football Federation, to be forwarded to UEFA and FIFA, the association’s board wrote:
“Given the daily Israeli massacres that have caused hundreds of casualties among Palestinian officials, coaches, and athletes, it is necessary—and indeed a duty—to put forward within UEFA and FIFA the request for Israel’s temporary exclusion from sporting competitions.”
Football stadiums worldwide have witnessed growing displays of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Italy is scheduled to face Israel twice in Group 9 of the World Cup qualifiers: the first match on September 8 in Hungary, and the second on October 14 at the Friuli Stadium in Udine, Italy.
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