Erling Haaland struck a sensational hat-trick as Norway moved a step closer to qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998 with a commanding victory over Israel in Oslo.
The Manchester City striker endured early frustration when Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz saved two penalties in the opening five minutes — the second following a retake for encroachment.
Norway soon took the lead, however, when Israeli midfielder Anan Khalaili headed Alexander Sørloth’s cross into his own net.
Haaland then doubled the advantage with a precise right-footed finish, extending his remarkable scoring streak to 10 consecutive matches for club and country.
Moments later, a defensive mix-up saw Peretz’s clearance ricochet off teammate Idan Nachmias and into the net for a comical third goal.
Haaland added his second with a powerful header before completing his sixth international hat-trick in the 72nd minute, nodding in Antonio Nusa’s cross at the back post.
The 25-year-old now has 51 goals in 46 international appearances, becoming the fastest player in history to reach 50 goals for his country — surpassing Harry Kane’s mark of 71 games for England.
His tally leaves him just four hat-tricks shy of the men’s international record jointly held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The emphatic win leaves Norway top of Group I and in control of their qualification hopes for the 2026 World Cup — their first major tournament appearance since Euro 2000.
In the same group, Italy boosted their chances of automatic qualification with a 3-1 win over Estonia in Tallinn.
Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui scored early goals before Francesco Esposito netted his first for the Azzurri, while Rauno Sappinen grabbed a late consolation after Gianluigi Donnarumma’s error.
The victory reduced Norway’s lead to six points, though Italy have a game in hand.
Gennaro Gattuso’s side host Israel next Tuesday, with another win set to bring them within striking distance of the leaders.
Group winners will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Norway resume their campaign at home to Estonia on 13 November, before meeting Italy in a potentially decisive final fixture three days later.
