Security is tight as the Israeli team welcomes Norway’s 2026 qualifiers ahead of planned Oslo protests

10 October – Norwegian authorities have launched a major security operation ahead of Norway’s World Cup qualifier against Israel in Oslo with pro-Palestinian protests expected on Saturday.

Amid increased security, the Israeli team landed at Olso’s Gardermoen airport on Thursday evening.

The Norwegian Palestine Committee has announced a protest to coincide with the match. Meanwhile, the Norwegian Football Association said the proceeds from the match would be donated to humanitarian purposes, earmarked for the Doctors Without Borders organization’s emergency relief efforts in Gaza and surrounding areas affected by the war.

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino called on protesters to remain calm. “Now everyone should be happy with (the peace plan) and everyone should support the process,” Infantino told reporters on the sidelines of a European Football Club (EFC) meeting on Thursday.

“Of course, it’s more than just football – it also includes football.”

Israel launched an attack on Gaza following a Hamas-led attack in 2023 which, according to Israeli data, killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. The Palestinian health authority reported that Israel’s two-year land and air campaign in the Gaza Strip has killed more than 67,000 people, nearly a third of them under 18 years old. An agreement has been reached with Hamas for a ceasefire.

Last March, Norway beat Israel 4-2 and with five wins from five, Stale Solbakken’s side are on course to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998. Next week, Israel travel to Italy where more protests are expected to overshadow their match against Squadra Azzurra.

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