DEBRECEN, HUNGARY — Tensions are rising ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier between Israel and Norway, as both teams prepare for a politically and emotionally charged encounter.
The match, set to take place on neutral ground due to ongoing conflict in the region, has been marked by a heated atmosphere not just on the pitch, but in the pre-match press conferences as well.
Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken didn’t shy away from making headlines, referencing the broader geopolitical context. “We are aware of the situation. We stand for human rights, and I hope this match will not distract from more important conversations taking place around the world,” he said, drawing criticism from Israeli media for politicizing the occasion.
“We are aware of the situation”. Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken (Photo courtesy: Shaul Greenfeld)
Israel’s captain Eli Dasa responded firmly, urging focus on the game. “I would be happy if those people could show me where Gaza is on the map," said the captain about those who expressed opinions on the situation in Gaza, including several players currently in the Norwegian squad. "After that, I’ll listen to what they have to say. I don’t respect people who talk about topics they don’t understand."
"Maybe the players should learn from the way the Norwegian coach spoke, as well as Erling Haaland. He understood that it's a topic he doesn’t know much about and focused on football."
He was then asked if there was a specific comment that bothered him, to which he replied: "While we’re talking here, we have hostages starving to death. Not that I wish that on anyone, you seem like nice people, but if that were happening in Norway, you’d probably speak differently."
He then added in Hebrew: "I’m not looking for a fight, but sometimes there are things that are frustrating. I have no problem with people’s opinions, but they should know both sides of the coin. It’s important for me to understand the story a bit more broadly, and I don’t like when people attack my country."
Displayed an urgnet approach towards the Norwegian claims. Eli Dasa, Israel’s captain, in Monday’s press conference. (Photo courtesy: Shaul Greenfeld)
“I would be happy if those people could show me where Gaza is on the map, after that, I’ll listen to what they have to say. ”
Security around the game in Debrecen has been significantly tightened, and both teams have agreed to extra pre-match protocols. On the field, however, the stakes are just as high: Norway needs the points to stay in contention, while Israel sees this as a symbolic opportunity to unite and inspire during a difficult time at home.
Norway will count on Manchester City’s Erling Håland, while Israel will hope for an accurate performance from Leeds United’s Manor Solomon.
With emotions running high and both teams under pressure, Tuesday’s clash promises intensity far beyond the 90 minutes.
Erling Haaland at Norway’s final training session. Norway will hope their big man will do what he does best - to score. (Photo courtesy: Shaul Greenfeld)
Israel will hope their main man will prevail against one of the most talented national teams in Europe. Manor Solomon in Israel’s final training session (Photo courtesy: Shaul Greenfeld)
Shaul Greenfeld has contributed to the details and information in this report.
Israel coach Ran Ben Shimon dons a kippa and prays for hostages in an emotional Oslo press conference before facing Norway.