The sporting world in Norway is buzzing after the national team was drawn to face Israel in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Beyond the match itself, the draw has sparked significant debate, with Norwegian Football Association president Lise Klaveness addressing the situation head-on:
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"The Norwegian Football Association stands with the Norwegian government in its demand for an immediate end to the disproportionate attacks on innocent civilians in Gaza," said Klaveness.
She added, "The draw is difficult for us, beyond the purely sporting aspect. 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 also said that Norway is actively involved in calls for sanctions against Israel on the international stage: "Israel is still part of UEFA competitions. We have to deal with that. We are following the situation closely with FIFA, UEFA and the Norwegian authorities."
Klaveness also highlighted the association’s long-standing involvement in the region. "We are also closer to the region and the Palestinian Football Federation than most other European federations, because we have been working there on the ground for more than 10 years, with coaches who create football activities for children in schools and refugee camps," she noted.
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National team coach Ståle Solbakken also weighed in on the draw, reflecting on the broader implications of facing Israel. "I don’t know if we’re afraid, but this is going to be a significant topic of discussion. That’s how it should be, especially given everything that has happened. During my tenure, there’s been a lot of politics, and it continues even now."
While the focus is often on the pitch, this draw has brought political and humanitarian issues into the spotlight, ensuring that Norway’s World Cup journey will be about more than just football.