Money raised from ticket sales at Norway’s 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Israel will go to Doctors Without Borders to support humanitarian work in Gaza.

The Norwegian Football Association (NFA) announced Monday that it has partnered with the Nobel Peace Prize-winning health NGO ahead of the sold-out game on October 11 in Oslo. The funds are expected to total hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“The money is designated for the organization’s relief efforts in Gaza and nearby areas affected by the war,” the NFA said.

Norway’s decision to donate comes as Israel continues to face little pressure within international soccer to be suspended or boycotted, despite the conflict in Gaza since October 2023. By contrast, Russia was suspended from UEFA competitions after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Lise Klaveness, head of the Norwegian FA, said, “As a member of FIFA and UEFA, we must deal with Israel participating in their competitions. At the same time, we cannot ignore the humanitarian suffering, especially the attacks on civilians in Gaza.”

Norway’s men’s national team, led by superstar Erling Haaland, is having its best run in years and is on track to qualify for its first World Cup since 1998, topping a qualifying group that includes Italy. Italy will host Israel in Udine on October 14. Italian Soccer President Gabriele Gravina said, “We are aware of public sensitivity and are deeply concerned about the human suffering in Palestine.”

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About 23,000 tickets will be sold for the Ullevaal Stadium game, with extra security for the Israel team. In addition, a private donor, one of Norway’s largest investment companies, pledged 3 million kroner ($305,000) to Doctors Without Borders.

The NGO praised Norway’s action, with Secretary General Lindis Hurum saying it reflects MSF’s mission to save lives and ease suffering regardless of belief, origin, gender, or skin color.