Norway towards World Cup qualification with dominant win over Israel” />
Erling Haaland delivered a stunning hat-trick, rapidly surpassing 50 international goals, as Norway dominated Israel with a 5-0 victory on Saturday. This commanding win brings Norway significantly closer to securing a spot in the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Having missed out on major tournaments since Euro 2000, Norway now tops Group I, holding a nine-point advantage over second-placed Italy. Although Italy has two matches in hand and faces Estonia later on Saturday, Norway’s position is strong.
The Norwegian squad can clinch qualification for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with a win against Estonia on Tuesday-provided Italy fails to win either of their upcoming fixtures against Estonia or Israel.
Manchester City‘s prolific striker Haaland leads the European qualifying charts with 12 goals to date. Remarkably, he has become the quickest male player to reach 50 international goals, netting 51 in just 46 appearances for Norway.
This achievement eclipses the previous record held by England captain Harry Kane, who reached 50 goals in 71 matches.
Before kickoff, a large crowd gathered to participate in a pro-Palestinian rally, chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine” to protest against what they described as Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza, according to AFP reporters.
Lise Klaveness, head of the Norwegian Football Association, has publicly advocated for sanctions against Israel in response to the ongoing conflict.
In the match’s early moments, Haaland’s initial penalty attempt was thwarted by Israel’s goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. The penalty was ordered to be retaken due to encroachment, but Haaland’s second shot, aimed in the opposite direction, was also saved by Peretz.
Norway eventually broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Israel’s Anan Khalaili inadvertently scored an own goal. Haaland then extended the lead by scoring in his ninth consecutive international game.
Just ten minutes later, Norway’s advantage grew further when Peretz, under pressure from Haaland, passed the ball to teammate Idan Nachmias, who accidentally deflected it into his own net. Nachmias was forced to leave the field after colliding with the goalpost during the play.
Haaland continued his dominance by heading in a goal from Antonio Nusa‘s cross in the 63rd minute, and later completed his hat-trick with another header 18 minutes before the final whistle.
In other Group F action, Hungary secured a 2-0 victory over Armenia. This result means Portugal can seal their World Cup qualification by winning consecutive matches against the Republic of Ireland-whom they faced at home later on Saturday-and Hungary on Tuesday.