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Rabat – Norway won with an impressive 5-0 against Israel on Saturday in the World Cup qualifiers, with striker Erling Haaland scoring a hat-trick. More than the scoreline, the match was a show of solidarity with Gaza from the Norwegian players and fans.
Before the match, the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) announced it would forward all proceeds from the match, including ticket sales, to humanitarian relief work in Gaza.
This commitment was first made earlier this year and was meant to support Palestinians in Gaza. NFF said the money would go to reputable NGOs like Doctors Without Borders.
🚨🇳🇴🇮🇱🇵🇸 BREAKING: Norway Fans Chanted “FREE PALESTINE” Against Israel. pic.twitter.com/UpjrTm1LFD
— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) October 11, 2025
In Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadium, many Norwegian fans waved Palestinian flags and displayed banners with messages of peace — while other supporters continually chanted “Free Palestine” during the match.
The match and demonstrations took place under heavy security with protests outside the stadium.
Protesters waved Palestinian flags, wore keffiyehs, lit flares and chanted “Free Palestine,” “Red card to Israel” and “Shut down the embassy.”
Authorities enhanced security, including body searches at points of entrance, limited capacity in the stadium near the Israeli supporters, and heavy police presence.
In fact, according to Reuters, tear gas was used after some demonstrators tried to breach barriers that had been put in place for security.
On the pitch, Norway were in control from start to finish. Haaland scored three goals, while Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth each scored a goal. This became one of Norway’s biggest wins in a long time.
The combination of Norway’s great performance and a public display of humanity was more than just football. As NFF president Lise Klaveness said earlier this week, “Football makes a difference,” and it “must protect humanitarian values”.
