As part of the qualifications for the 2026 World Cup, Norway is in the same group as Israel. The president of the Norwegian federation does not want to see her team play against the Israeli team for political reasons.
President of the Norwegian Football Federation and former player, Lise Klaveness did not mince her words after the qualifying draw for the 2026 World Cup placed Israel in the same group as her country. For the boss of Norwegian football, given Israel’s behavior in Gaza, it is scandalous that FIFA is letting this country participate in qualifying for the next World Cup. Even if Norway will probably not refuse to face the Israeli selection, according to Lise Klaveness it is a real scandal to force her country to play in such a context. In a statement, the president of the Norwegian Football Federation said how badly she thought of Israel.
Norway will play Israel despite their anger
« The Norwegian Football Association stands with the Norwegian government in its demand for an immediate end to the disproportionate attacks against innocent civilians in Gaza. 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. Israel is still part of UEFA competitions. We must face this », indicated the former Norwegian player, who had also announced the choice made by FIFA to entrust the organization of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia. In any case, the two qualifying matches for the next World Cup between Norway and Israel are scheduled for March 25 and October 11.
Belgium
