Erling Haaland’s Norway came close to qualifying for the World Cup in a match that featured pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Published October 12, 2025
Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick as Norway beat Israel 5-0 to reach 50 international goals in record time and move closer to qualifying for the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.
Before Saturday night’s match in Oslo, hundreds of people took part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration, protesting Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza and chanting “Liberate Palestine,” an AFP reporter reported.
Recommended stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
Norwegian police dispersed a rally of pro-Palestinian activists with tear gas and arrested several people.
Inside Ullevaar Stadium, dozens of Israeli fans waved their country’s flag and a banner reading “Let the Ball Talk!”
Norway currently leads Group I with 18 points, six points ahead of second-placed Italy. Italy are on track to qualify after defeating Estonia 3-1 in Tallinn.
With their comfortable win in Oslo, Norway firmly takes control of the group and will aim to reach next year’s finals, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Israel face Italy in Udine on Tuesday after a subdued performance, but they know they must win to keep their fading hopes of qualifying alive.
Haaland’s hat-trick sets the tone
Haaland became the fastest player in men’s international football to reach 50 goals for his country and now has 51 goals for Norway in just 46 games.
The early penalty was saved by Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, but the referee ordered the spot-kick to be redone for intrusion into the area, but Peretz turned away Haaland’s second shot.
However, Norway took the lead in the 18th minute with an own goal from Anan Hariri, and Haaland raced home to score. Norway took their third goal with an own goal from Idan Nahmias.
Manchester City forward Haaland added a second goal with a powerful header to complete his sixth hat-trick for his country with 18 minutes remaining.
Norway has not played in a major tournament since Euro 2000.
Goals from Moise Kean, Matteo Letegui and Pio Esposito in Tallinn brought Italy one step closer to reaching their first World Cup final since 2014.
Italy has a three-point lead over second-placed Israel in Group I, qualifying for the play-offs.
Only 5,000 tickets have been sold for talks between Italy and Israel, which are expected to be tense amid pro-Palestinian protests.
