Haaland shoots Norway closer to FIFA World Cup; Italy remains in the hunt for qualification

Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick and passed 50 international goals in record time as Norway cruised to a 5-0 thrashing of Israel on Saturday, moving closer to qualifying for a first World Cup final since 1998.

Before the match in Oslo, hundreds of people attended a pro-Palestinian demonstration, chanting “Free Palestine” to protest Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza.

Norwegian police dispersed a gathering of pro-Palestinian activists with tear gas and made several arrests.

In the Ullevaal Stadium, several dozen Israeli fans waved their country’s flag and a banner with the text “Let the Ball Talk!”

Norway now leads Group I with 18 points, six more than second-placed Italy, who defeated Estonia 3-1 in Tallinn to stay on course for qualification.

Norway’s comfortable win in Oslo puts the group firmly in control as it looks to secure a place in next year’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

After a meek performance, Israel takes on Italy in Udine on Tuesday knowing it must win to keep its fading hopes of qualification alive.

Haaland became the fastest player in men’s international football to score 50 goals for his country and now has 51 goals for Norway in just 46 games.

His early penalty was saved by Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, but the referee ordered the penalty to be retaken for infringing the area, allowing Peretz to parry Haaland’s second attempt.

But Norway took the lead in the 18th minute through Anan Khalaili’s own goal, before Haaland cleared to score. Norway got its third after an own goal by Idan Nachmias.

Manchester City striker Haaland added his second goal with a powerful header before nodding home to complete his sixth hat-trick for his country with 18 minutes remaining.

Italy, seeking to reach its first World Cup final since 2014, moved a step closer thanks to goals from Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui and Pio Esposito in Tallinn.

The Italians are three points ahead of Israel in second place in Group I, which offers a play-off spot.

Italy’s meeting with Israel is expected to be a tense affair surrounded by pro-Palestinian protests and only 5,000 tickets have been sold.

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In Group F, Hungary defeated Armenia 2-0, and the Irish and Armenia face a do-or-die match in Dublin on Tuesday.

European champions Spain kept their perfect qualifying record intact by beating Georgia 2-0 thanks to goals from Yeremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Turkey remains three points behind in Group E thanks to a resounding 6-1 defeat against Bulgaria in Sofia.

Albania has never qualified for a World Cup, but thanks to a goal from Rey Manaj, they have a chance of being in the final next year after a 1-0 win over Serbia.

The Albanians are second in Group K behind England and four points ahead of third-placed Serbia.

Published on October 12, 2025