Erling Haaland overcame two missed penalties to score a hat-trick in Norway’s 5-0 victory over Israel on Saturday (11) in Oslo. The match, part of the seventh round of European World Cup 2026 qualifiers, took place at Ullevaal Stadium. Norway extended their lead in Group I with 18 points, maintaining a 100% record after six matches.
Own goals by Anan Khalaili and Idan Nachmias, plus Haaland’s three strikes, sealed the scoreline. The Manchester City striker reached 12 goals in the competition, leading the top scorers’ chart. Israel, with nine points, faces a tougher path to the play-offs depending on Italy’s result against Estonia on Tuesday (14).
The game started with Norway dominating, but Israel’s goalkeeper Daniel Peretz saved penalties at the fourth and fifth minutes. Despite the early setback, Stale Solbakken’s side pressed and scored first at the 18th minute.
Haaland, with 51 goals in 46 games for Norway, cemented his historic mark in the match.
Early setback and quick turnaround
The referee awarded Norway a penalty at the fourth minute after a foul on Alexander Sørloth in the box. Haaland took the shot, but Peretz, on loan at Hamburg from Bayern Munich, saved it. A barrier irregularity led to a retake, which Peretz also stopped.
The 28,000-strong Ullevaal crowd kept supporting. At the 18th minute, Sørloth crossed from the right, and Khalaili deflected into his own net, opening the score.
Haaland struck at the 27th minute with a low shot from outside the box, making it 2-0. Norway controlled the pace, holding over 60% possession in the first half.
Haaland’s hat-trick highlights
Haaland scored again at the 63rd minute, finishing a Martin Ødegaard through ball with precision. His second came from a quick midfield interplay, exploiting Israel’s deep defense.
At the 72nd minute, he completed his hat-trick with a header from a corner. The three goals raised his average to over one per game in the qualifiers.
Peretz prevented a bigger scoreline with saves on Ødegaard and Antonio Nusa shots. Haaland, 24, now has 51 goals for Norway, surpassing previous records.
His performance strengthens his case for UEFA’s best player award this season.
Own goals seal Norway’s dominance
Idan Nachmias scored an own goal at the 28th minute after a Sander Berge cross. The Maccabi Tel Aviv defender tried to clear but sent the ball into the top corner.
Israel’s defense struggled with ball recoveries, allowing Norway quick counterattacks. The Scandinavians exploited the flanks, with Ryerson and Bjørkan pushing forward.
In the second half, Israel’s coach Guy Levi adjusted, bringing on Oscar Gloukh and Manor Solomon. However, the scoreline held firm.
The win boosts Norway’s goal difference to +22, compared to Israel’s +5.
Group I standings and upcoming matches
Norway lead with 18 points from six games, six ahead of Italy. A win for Italy over Estonia could narrow the gap, but Norway’s goal difference gives them an edge.
Israel, with three wins and three losses, have nine points. They rely on rivals’ slip-ups to reach the play-offs, which offer extra World Cup spots.
- Norway: 6 wins, 0 losses, 24 goals scored, 2 conceded.
- Italy: 4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, +10 goal difference.
- Israel: 3 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses, +5 goal difference.
- Estonia: 1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses.
The next round includes Italy vs. Estonia in Udine on the 14th. Norway face Estonia in November.
Tactical setup and starting lineups
Stale Solbakken fielded Norway in a 4-3-3, with Ørjan Nyland in goal, Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, and Bjørkan in defense, Berge, Berg, and Ødegaard in midfield, and Sørloth, Haaland, and Nusa up top. The setup prioritized fast transitions.
Israel started with Daniel Peretz; Dasa, Lemkin, Nachmias, and Revivo in defense; Dor Peretz, Elias Peretz, and Bitton in midfield; Gloukh, Solomon, and Baribo in attack. Guy Levi opted for an initial defensive approach.
Norway’s substitutions included Oscar Bobb at the 70th minute, maintaining momentum. Israel swapped Solomon for Manor Solomon at the 60th, seeking a response.
The match saw 12 fouls per side and balanced possession after the break.
Top scorers and competition stats
Haaland leads the qualifiers with 12 goals in six games, followed by Sørloth with four. Norway have the best defense, conceding just two goals.
Israel average three goals scored per game but concede 2.5. Dor Peretz has three goals in the campaign.
- Total goals in the group: 45 in 18 matches.
- Largest crowds: 28,000 in Oslo, 25,000 in Rome.
- Assists: Ødegaard with seven.
Norway’s campaign includes routs like 11-1 over Moldova and 3-0 over Italy.
