Pro-Palestinian protests erupt during Norway’s World Cup qualifier win over Israel

Pro-Palestinian protesters marched through the streets of Oslo on Saturday, converging on Ullevaal Stadion ahead of Norway’s dominant 5-0 victory over Israel in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. According to CNN, around 1,000 demonstrators arrived at the venue, where they lit flares, waved flags, and displayed a banner addressing the war in Gaza in a largely peaceful demonstration. Some chanted “Shut down the embassy,” while others held red cards and a small sign reading “Game Over Israel.” Police established a line near the stadium to maintain order, keeping a measured distance from the crowd, and a few dozen fans remained outside protesting even after kickoff.

Inside the nearly full stadium, which accommodated 22,000 to 23,000 spectators after a security-related reduction of 3,000 seats, including front-row areas and those adjacent to Israeli supporters, tensions spilled over into the stands. Early in the match, a Palestinian flag was unfurled alongside a banner proclaiming “Let Children Live,” prompting jeers from some fans during the Israeli national anthem. Spectators displayed Palestinian flags throughout the game and held up red cards in solidarity. During the first half, a man in a “Free Gaza” T-shirt invaded the pitch, adding to the charged atmosphere amid Norway’s clinical performance.

The protests reflect broader international backlash against Israel’s participation in sporting events amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. On Friday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino called for calm ahead of Israel’s qualifiers, following a reported peace deal between Israel and Hamas under the “first phase” of a U.S.-brokered plan announced by President Donald Trump. Similar disruptions have occurred elsewhere: Last week, protesters approached Italy’s training center in Florence, demanding the cancellation of Israel’s upcoming match in Udine on Tuesday, coinciding with a national strike involving millions. UEFA has considered suspending Israel, and Udine Mayor Alberto Felice De Toni urged postponement. In other incidents, Indonesia blocked Israeli athletes from gymnastics worlds in Jakarta, and Spain’s Vuelta cycling race faced repeated protests against the Israel Premier Tech team, leading to stage interruptions and the team’s exclusion from the Giro dell’Emilia; the squad rebranded on Monday for safety.