Norway's other World Cup push: Haaland out, Israel FIFA fight
Erling Haaland is knocking World Cup rivals out while Norway wages a parallel campaign to get Israel expelled from international soccer — a twin push led by federation president Lise Klaveness and fueled by Gaza-linked pressure on FIFA. With Haaland out in front at seven goals in four games — his late brace knocked Brazil out — Norway reached its first quarterfinal on July 11 against England. Off the pitch, Klaveness has become Europe's loudest voice urging FIFA to sanction Israel.
Key Takeaways
- Haaland has seven goals in four World Cup matches and powered Norway to its first-ever quarterfinal.
- NFF president Lise Klaveness is pressing FIFA to suspend Israel, citing the ban imposed on Russia after Ukraine.
- Norway donated Israel qualifier proceeds to Gaza humanitarian aid but ruled out a solo boycott.
- Haaland was born in Leeds and could have played for England before Norway secured his allegiance.
- Norway faces England in Miami with Haaland set to test Manchester City teammates.
Why is Norway pushing FIFA to remove Israel?
After Norway and Israel were drawn together in 2026 World Cup qualifying, Klaveness said the federation could not remain indifferent to civilian suffering in Gaza. She argued that since Russia was banned over its invasion of Ukraine, Israel should face similar consequences.
Norway donated all proceeds from its home qualifier against Israel to humanitarian aid in Gaza through Doctors Without Borders. Klaveness framed the push as a rules-based demand, not a unilateral boycott — warning that forfeiting alone would only help Israel's qualifying path.
FIFA has delayed action on a Palestinian Football Association sanctions proposal, with president Gianni Infantino saying football cannot solve geopolitical problems. Norway has also backed an ethics complaint against Infantino over FIFA's Trump peace prize, intensifying institutional pressure as the tournament unfolds.
How has Haaland put Norway on the World Cup map?
England's loss is Norway's gain. Haaland scored 16 goals in UEFA qualifying to end a 28-year World Cup drought. In North America, he has been unstoppable — averaging close to a goal every 14 touches.
His brace in the final 11 minutes knocked Brazil out 2-1 and sent Norway to its first knockout victory. No defense has contained him yet, including against Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhães. For more on the star's rise, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
Could Haaland have played for England instead?
Haaland was born in Leeds on July 21, 2000, while his father Alf-Inge Haaland played for Leeds United. That birthright made him eligible for England, and the FA has pushed to contact dual-national prospects early.
But when Alfie's English career ended in 2003, the family returned to Bryne, Norway. Haaland joined Norway's youth setup by 2015. "I lived in England for three-and-a-half or four years," he said. "I lived in Norway for such a long time, so it was natural for me to choose Norway."
What is at stake in the England quarterfinal?
On July 11 in Miami, Haaland faces the country of his birth — and Manchester City teammates Marc Guéhi, John Stones and Nico O'Reilly who train against him daily. England must disrupt the link between Haaland and Martin Ødegaard to stand a chance.
While Haaland hunts the Golden Boot, Klaveness plans to keep pushing FIFA once the World Cup ends. Norway's twin campaigns — Haaland knocking teams out on the pitch and Klaveness pressing to keep Israel out of competition — have made this the nation's most consequential football summer in a generation.