Norway will play Israel in the World Cup qualifiers, despite false boycott rumours

James McManagan January 13, 2025
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The FIFA World Cup 26 qualifiers have already begun. Image by EPA PHOTO

WHAT WAS CLAIMED

Norway has refused to play Israel in the  World Cup 26 qualifiers.

OUR VERDICT

False. Norway’s Football Association criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza but has not indicated it will boycott any matches.

AAP FACTCHECK – False claims are circulating online that Norway's national football team has announced it will refuse to play against Israel in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Several social media posts have misrepresented criticism from the Norwegian Football Association (NFF) of Israel's actions in Gaza as a decision to boycott the nation's qualifying game against Israel.

"The Norwegian national football team will refuse to play against Israel in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for Europe and will forfeit the match instead," one Facebook user posted along with an image of the Norwegian national team.