Gaza genocide: Norwegian Football Association refuses to play against Israel in World Cup Qualifiers

The Norwegian Football Association has announced its refusal to compete against the Israeli national team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for Europe, citing the ongoing genocide committed against millions of Palestinians since October 7, 2023.

Liz Klaveness, President of the Norwegian Football Association, has confirmed that the organisation is actively pressuring international football bodies to impose sanctions on Israel.

The French channel E24 News published statements from Klaveness regarding the qualifying draw, which placed Norway alongside Israel, Estonia, Moldova, and the loser of the Germany-Italy quarter-final in the European Nations League.

Klaveness expressed her solidarity with the Palestinian cause, 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 is scheduled to play its matches against Israel on 25 March and 11 October. However, the association’s decision to boycott raises uncertainty about whether these fixtures will proceed.