FACT CHECK: Did Norway Refuse To Play Israel For The 2026 World Cup Qualifier?

A post shared on Facebook claims Norway refused to play Israel for the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Verdict: False

There is no evidence Norway refused to play against Israel in the European 2026 World Cup qualifiers or called for its expulsion.

Fact Check:

Social media users are claiming that Norway refused to play against Israel in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. One user wrote, “Norway refuses to play against Israel in the European 2026 World Cup qualifiers. They also ask for Israel to be kicked out of the competition.”

This claim is false. The Norwegian Football Federation told Full Fact that there has not “been any change” in Norway playing Israel for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. It also referred the outlet to statements made by its president, Lisa Klaveness. (RELATED: Claim That Trump Plans To Invalidate Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Program Is Satire)

“Israel is currently part of UEFA’s competitions. We are following the situation closely, and follow the policies set by FIFA, UEFA and the Norwegian authorities. This means our national team will play against Israel—in March away on a neutral pitch, and in October at home at Ullevaal Stadium. Everyone now has a clear responsibility to protect and respect the football matches and the players on both teams,” Klaveness said, according to the outlet.

This claim might have come from Klaveness’s other statements, per AAP Fact Check. She said that “[y]esterday we drew Israel in the World Cup qualifiers. It is difficult for us, even beyond the purely sporting aspect.”