In the hours before kick-off on Saturday, Oslo became the stage for a heated showdown. As Norway faced Israel in the 2026 World Cup qualifier match at Ullevaal Stadium, the city witnessed large pro-Palestinian protests.
The protests centered outside Norway’s parliament and spilled toward the stadium, with demonstrators waving Palestinian flags, wearing the Palestine national team’s jerseys, and chanting calls to ban Israel from international sport. Many of them vowed to remain until the match began. Police had to seal off stadium entrances, screened bags, and limited spectator access.
“This match should not have been played. If Russia is expelled, then Israel should be expelled as well. But when the match is played, the best thing Norway could do is destroy Israel’s hopes for the World Cup,” said a Norwegian supporter named Johan, wearing a Palestine jersey. “It’s a match with a bittersweet taste.”
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Norwegian authorities and civil society had already braced for disruptions. On fan safety and attendance, Klaveness said that the Norwegian FA has been discussing with Oslo police and hopes that Israeli fans should be able to feel safe. She emphasized that no remark must be construed as a lack of compassion for Israeli civilians who have been victimized on October 7. “When we say something about condemning the attack on Gaza, it does not imply that we condemn the attack on their people any less,” she said.
The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) had announced plans to donate the match’s ticket revenues to Doctors Without Borders’ Gaza efforts, a decision that stirred criticism from the Israeli side. Meanwhile, calls to suspend or ban Israel from international football have been circulating through UEFA, but no action had been taken to that effect.
At the stadium, entrances were closed hours in advance. Police conducted frisk searches, and attendance was capped—some reports say only 3,000 spectators were permitted. Still, not all fans were absorbed in the politics. “We are going to watch Norway basically qualify tonight and it’s going to be a great night,” one supporter said.
The match’s is also a decisive one because Norway, sits atop Group I with 15 points from five matches, and stands a chance in securing a return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Israel, meanwhile, remained in contention, tied on points with Italy but behind on goal difference. With these, the result from the match will decide the next step for both teams.
