Norway’s national soccer team is preparing to face Israel on Tuesday in a World Cup qualifying match overshadowed by rising political tensions and a wave of anti-Israel commentary from Norwegian players, officials and media, sparked by the ongoing war in Gaza.
Coach Ståle Solbakken addressed the conflict during a pre-match press conference, describing it as a “complex situation” with historical context. “I didn’t share personal emotions,” he said. “I gave a broader perspective and emphasized that players have the right to express their opinions. We’re here to play football and can’t talk about this all day. What happened on October 7 was tragic for everyone, but I don’t think this is the right time to go deeper into it.”
Solbakken added that although he may not feel the issue as deeply as those directly affected, he believes he is informed enough to express a view. “We have great respect for your country — but also for the other side,” he said. “The world is smaller now, and access to information is constant.”
Several Norwegian players also weighed in, with views ranging from outspoken criticism to reluctance to engage publicly.
Arsenal midfielder Martin Ødegaard, the team’s captain, acknowledged the difficult backdrop to the match. “This is a background you can’t ignore. It’s terrible for everyone,” he said. “But we have to deal with the fact that UEFA decided the match would go ahead.” Ødegaard said the war had been a topic of conversation among players. “You read the news and see what’s happening. Naturally, it comes up. But our main focus is on the match.”
Toulouse defender Aron Dønnum was more blunt: “What’s happening there is just horrible. No one should have to go through things like that.”
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland chose not to comment on the conflict. “I don’t think I, as a footballer, should talk about it,” he said. “There are others who should decide what to do and where they stand. Maybe ask someone else.”
A spokesperson for the Norwegian Football Association called the situation in Israel “very complex,” adding that the team was focused on the match and not politics.
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The association’s president, Lise Klaveness, has previously supported the Palestinian Football Association’s bid to suspend Israel from FIFA. Speaking again ahead of the match, she voiced support for “innocent civilians in Gaza” but pushed back against calls within Norway to boycott the game. “We must play, but that doesn’t mean we don’t support the Palestinians — on the contrary,” she said.
“We support their complaint to FIFA, but boycotting the match is not the right step," she added. "A boycott isn’t an expression of solidarity. We support Norway’s government, which is calling for an end to the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza.”