Israel vs Norway

Nagyerdei Stadion forms the backdrop for an exciting 2026 FIFA World Cup encounter between Israel and Norway. 

Israel began their 2025 schedule with a 2-1 comeback win in their WCQ opener, overcoming minnows Estonia. A sterner challenge awaits as they face Norway in Debrecen, Hungary, despite speculation of a possible boycott by the Scandinavian side. Overcoming this hurdle would significantly increase Israel’s chances of securing a place at a major international tournament for the first time since 1970. Despite playing in foreign lands due to the raging war in the region, the designated hosts are unbeaten across their last five World Cup qualifying ‘home’ games (W4, D1). However, since relocating their home fixtures to Hungary in November 2023, they have struggled, winning just twice in seven matches (W2, D1, L4). Encouragingly, those two wins came in their last two such fixtures, including a 1-0 triumph against Belgium.

Meanwhile, Norway’s appetites have significantly grown after securing UEFA Nations League promotion to the top tier before opening this World Cup qualifying cycle with a dominant 5-0 win over Moldova. With four of their last five victories coming by 3+ goal margins, Stale Solbakken’s charges head to Hungary as pre-match favorites to maintain their perfect start and push for their first World Cup finals appearance since 1998. Narrowly missing out on a runners-up spot in their last World Cup qualifying group, Norway excelled on the road, collecting most of their points away (W3, D1, L1). Furthermore, they won the only previous H2H, beating Israel 1-0 in 1999.