Haaland hits hat-trick as Norway crush Israel 5–0 to maintain perfect World Cup qualifying

Erling Haaland continued his remarkable goal-scoring run with a stunning hat-trick as Norway demolished Israel 5–0 in their World Cup qualifying clash at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo.

The Manchester City striker, who has now scored 18 goals in his last nine appearances for club and country, once again proved unstoppable despite a rocky start.

Haaland’s night began with frustration when his sixth-minute penalty was brilliantly saved by Israel’s goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.

 The spot-kick had to be retaken after encroachment, but Peretz again denied the Norwegian star with another fine stop.

However, Haaland quickly put those early misses behind him and went on to dominate the match in typical fashion.

Norway took the lead through an own goal from Anan Khalaili before Haaland doubled the advantage with a clinical finish. Israel’s woes deepened when defender Idan Nachmias also turned the ball into his own net, making it 3–0.

Haaland then added his second — and 50th international goal — by heading in Antonio Nusa’s pinpoint cross, before the same duo combined again for Haaland to complete his hat-trick in emphatic style.

The victory marked Norway’s sixth consecutive win in Group I, keeping their perfect record intact and moving them closer to securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Haaland, earning his 46th international cap, has now achieved the extraordinary milestone of 50 goals for Norway — further underlining his status as one of world football’s most prolific forwards.

In other qualifying fixtures, Hungary revived their campaign with a crucial 2–0 win over Armenia — their first victory of the group stage — while in Group K, Andorra secured their first point of the qualifiers after a spirited 2–2 draw against Latvia.