On Saturday, October 11, 2025, a significant pro-Palestinian protest took place in Oslo, Norway, coinciding with the World Cup qualifier match between Norway and Israel at Ullevaal Stadion. Approximately 1,000 protesters marched from Oslo's city center to the stadium, lighting flares and waving flags in a visible show of solidarity with Palestine. According to public broadcaster NRK, the protesters planned to remain outside the stadium until the game began at 6 p.m. local time.
The demonstrators carried banners highlighting the ongoing war in Gaza, which appeared to characterize the march as largely peaceful. Yet, even after the match commenced, a group of about 30 fans remained outside to continue voicing their protests. Security measures were notably stringent for the event, allowing only 3,000 spectators into the stadium amidst heightened checks.
Inside the stadium, tensions flared as a Palestinian flag was unfurled early in the game alongside a banner that read “Let Children Live.” This act drew jeers from some fans during the playing of the Israeli national anthem, while others held up red cards in the crowd, signaling disapproval of Israel’s actions. The atmosphere highlighted the politically charged context surrounding not only the match but the broader Israeli-Palestinian situation.
In the lead-up to the match, FIFA President Gianni Infantino made an appeal for calm, particularly given the recent negotiations between Israel and Hamas that had resulted in a peace agreement. U.S. President Donald Trump also commented, suggesting that both parties agreed to the "first phase" of his diplomatic plan for the region. As part of their efforts to address the suspension of competitive matches involving Israel, FIFA and other sports governing bodies were under pressure to act responsibly.
Israel's national team is scheduled to face Italy in Udine next, another match that has generated protests. Just days prior, pro-Palestinian activists had approached the Italy squad’s training facility in Florence, demanding the cancellation of the match as part of a national strike. This strike saw millions take to the streets across the nation in solidarity with Palestine.
Amid ongoing tensions, the Mayor of Udine, Alberto Felice De Toni, called for the game with Israel to be postponed, contributing to discussions surrounding the potential suspension of Israel's participation in European football competitions by UEFA.
Elsewhere, international protests have also emerged, indicating widespread dissent against Israel’s actions. In Indonesia, there has been a move to prevent Israeli athletes from competing at the upcoming gymnastics world championships in Jakarta. Additionally, protests during the Spanish Vuelta cycling race recently disrupted the event, with demonstrators targeting the Israel Premier Tech cycling team. As a response to safety concerns prompted by these disruptions, the organizers of the Giro dell'Emilia race subsequently excluded the Israeli team from participation.
In light of these developments, the Israel Premier Tech cycling team has opted to change its name, potentially signaling a response to the turbulent climate surrounding Israeli representation in international sports.
