Overview

• Norway FA president Lise Klaveness said she will meet her Israeli counterpart before the game and welcomed the Israel–Hamas ceasefire, calling on sports leaders to support the peace process.
• Israel’s government ratified the truce, with reporting that hostilities in Gaza are to pause within 24 hours and Israeli hostages are to be freed within 72 hours.
• The NFF’s decision to direct match proceeds to Doctors Without Borders for work in Gaza drew formal pushback from Israel’s FA, which urged a condemnation of the October 7, 2023 attacks.
• Organizers and police have scaled up security far beyond a standard international fixture, with protests planned in Oslo and separate calls in Italy to postpone Israel’s next match in Udine.
• On the pitch, Norway lead Group I on 15 points and can strengthen their World Cup hopes with a win, while Israel need a result to stay in contention before facing Italy.