Norway's national football team is aiming to end a decades-long drought without qualifying for the World Cup, with their eyes set on the expanded 2026 tournament. Rising expectations surround the team thanks to a golden generation led by stars such as Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, both in their prime. Historically, the team has struggled, having last participated in a major tournament in Euro 2000.
Although they started their qualifying campaign with a convincing 5-0 win over Moldova—where every goal came from a different scorer—the pressure remains high. "It’s definitely the biggest goal for the national team. Our focus is to make the World Cup and I think it will happen," said 19-year-old winger Antonio Nusa, underscoring the team's ambitions.
On March 25, 2025, Norway will face Israel in their second group game at the World Cup qualifiers at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrechen, Hungary. Israel, who also won their opening qualifier against Estonia 2-1, will be seeking to secure a winning position in the group as both teams strive for qualification.
The buildup to the match, however, has been clouded by ongoing political tensions. Dasa, the captain of the Israeli national team, expressed his ire towards calls suggesting UEFA should ban Israel from international competition amidst heightened conflict and unrest. "I wonder if those criticising us in Norway can even find Gaza on a map. We have hostages there starving under horrific conditions," Dasa exclaimed, highlighting the gravity of the situation the nation faces.
In contrast, Norway's Odegaard remarked on the conversation about the conflict among his teammates. “This is a background you can’t ignore. It’s terrible for everyone,” he stated, reflecting on the dual focus on both the sport and its surrounding sociopolitical context. His sentiments were echoed by Norwegian coach Stale Solbakken, who acknowledged the historical complexities involving both nations. "What happened on October 7 was tragic for everyone, but I don’t think this is the right time to go deeper into it," he said.
The history of tension between Norway and Israel comes to the forefront with significant events leading up to this match. In May 2024, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, recalled Norway’s ambassador following the Norwegian government's decision to recognize the State of Palestine. Further sanctions were imposed on Norway by Katz in August, revoking diplomatic statuses of its officials in Israel.
The Norwegian squad has shown a willingness to embrace the challenge ahead. After their definitive win over Moldova, there's a sense of optimism, although concerns loom, particularly regarding player injuries. Center-back Leo Østigård's fitness is uncertain after he was forced off due to injury in the Moldova match. In his place, Torbjørn Heggem stands ready to step in as a potential partner for Brentford’s Kristoffer Ajer in defense.
Players like Nusa, who recently recovered from a knee injury, have expressed hopes of contributing to the national team despite their physical challenges. "I can’t be there for the first two games, but there are a lot of games to play. It’s a big goal and would be a dream to qualify for the World Cup with Norway,” he said.
As the clock ticks closer to the match, both teams are aware that victory is critical not just for points in the tournament but for each nation grappling with its own struggles. For Norway, the stakes are about reclaiming their lost football legacy, while for Israel, the match serves as a painful reflection of ongoing conflict against the international sporting backdrop.
With so much at stake, fans, players, and coaches alike will be watching with bated breath as Norway and Israel prepare to meet on the pitch, a collision of sport and significant sociopolitical pressures.
