Norway's World Cup qualifier against Israel on October 11 could be a monumental moment for Stale Solbakken's side, but the game has been overshadowed by political undertones which have dominated the conversation.
Norway vs. Israel game details: Why controversial World Cup qualifier will have extra security amid political tension originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Norway's World Cup qualifier against Israel on October 11 could be monumental for Stale Solbakken's side.
A victory, combined with some help from Estonia shortly afterwards, would secure Norway an official spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending the country's 28-year absence from international football's showpiece event.
Yet despite the optimism surrounding the team's prospects on the global stage, the focus ahead of the match lies elsewhere.
The Sporting News explains why this game is being watched closely around the world for reasons beyond the football pitch, and how it has gained international attention for its geopolitical significance.
MORE:Standings, fixtures, schedule, and results for UEFA's 2026 World Cup qualifying
Why is Norway vs. Israel game controversial?
Despite Norway's perfect qualifying record putting them on the doorstep of their first World Cup since 1998, their match against Israel has been overshadowed by political undertones dominating the pre-match conversation.
Norway has been one of the most vocal nations calling for Israel to be banned from international competition due to two-year military campaign in Gaza. According to Palestinian health authorities, the Israeli offensive has killed more than 67,000 people, with a third of the casualties under the age of 18.
The match also comes shortly after the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks by Hamas in 2023, where 1,189 Israelis were killed and 251 more were taken hostage.
Does Norway want Israel banned from the World Cup?
The Norwegian federation (NFF) president Lise Klaveness spoke out in September, stating that if UEFA has banned Russia for its military aggression in Ukraine, then Israel should also be punished.
“Personally, I believe that since Russia is out, Israel should also be out,” Klaveness said on the podcast Pop and Politics. This follows her statement the previous month that she could not “remain indifferent to the humanitarian suffering” taking place in Gaza, which an independent commission from the United Nations recently characterized as genocide.
Israel criticizes Norway for ticket-sale donation
Norway has pledged that all proceeds from the match against Israel will go towards emergency humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The football association of Israel criticized this step, saying that Norway should support both sides of the conflict. "It would be nice if some of the amount were directed towards trying to finding a condemnation by the Norwegian FA of the October 7 massacre that claimed the lives of hundreds of Israeli citizens and children," the Israeli FA said in a statement.
Will there be extra security at the Norway vs. Israel game?
The NFF is aware of the intense fervor that has developed around this football match, and thus “various measures will be implemented to strengthen security before, during, and after the match," they confirmed.
The first step was to reduce the capacity of the venue by 2,500, which leaves Ullevaal Stadium at around a 25,000-person capacity. This is likely to help give those attending the match additional space, which would be helpful in the event of an emergency and also allow for an additional security and law enforcement presence.
All flags and banners to be displayed by fans inside the stadium must be approved in advance, with the NFF saying that small Palestinian flags will be allowed but cautioning that anything more outspoken could be rejected. "We urge spectators to be respectful and ensure safe match organization. We primarily encourage fans to bring Norwegian flags and cheer for Norway in this important World Cup qualifier. This is a football match, not a political demonstration.”
A no-fly zone will be implemented in the aerial vicinity above and around Ullevaal Stadium, and only 200 Israel fans are being permitted to attend the match. Many of the roads around Ullevaal Stadium will be closed several hours before kickoff.
Will Norway and Israel both qualify for the World Cup?
Norway are very nearly assured of a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup already.
If the Landslaget defeat Israel and Italy drop any points in either of their matches this October window, the second of which comes against Israel, then Norway will officially lock in a World Cup spot.
MORE:Who can qualify for the World Cup this week?
Even if that does not come to pass, their current six-point lead over Italy, plus a ludicrous goal differential advantage, means they are almost surely in regardless of how everything else plays out.
Israel, however, need a lot to go their way to make the field of 48. With Norway dominating the group through the first five matches, Israel are level on points with second-place Italy, but the Azzurri have played one fewer match, leaving them in the driver's seat for the playoff qualifying spot.
Finishing third or below would leave Israel on the outside looking in, meaning they need points any way they can find them.
Category: General Sports
