Haaland's Hat‑Trick Powers Norway Toward World Cup Spot as Italy Falters

• Jeremy van Dyk
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When Erling Haaland, Manchester City striker, stepped onto the pitch at Ullevaal Stadion on Saturday, the stakes were crystal clear: a win would all but lock Norway into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Italy’s dream of automatic qualification slipped further away.

The match, part of the UEFA Group I World Cup qualifierOslo, kicked off at 17:00 UK time (18:00 CEST). Norway, coached by Ståle Solbakken, arrived on an eight‑match winning streak, having netted 34 goals and conceded just four. Israel, led by Ran Ben Shimon, were hoping to mend bruises from two prior defeats to the Norwegians.

Why this match matters

Group I is a tight‑knit marathon. After five fixtures, Norway sit on 15 points, a clean sweep that puts them six points clear of second‑placed Italy. A single slip‑up could hand the Azzurri a lifeline; a victory, however, would hand the World Cup qualification dream a near‑certain reality for Norway – their first since the 1998 tournament in France.

Goal‑difference is the silent hero of qualifying campaigns. Norway’s +30 margin dwarfs Italy’s modest +12, meaning even a draw would keep the Italians on the back foot. As Football Italia noted on October 11, “If Norway drop points, Italy’s only hope is to hope for a miracle elsewhere.”

Norway's road to the brink

Since October 2024, Norway have undergone a renaissance. A crushing 5‑1 loss to Austria in the Nations League seemed to spark a tactical overhaul by Solbakken. The result? A seismic shift in attacking philosophy, with Haaland becoming the focal point.

Haaland’s numbers read like a fantasy draft: nine goals in five Group I matches, five of which came against Moldova in a single 5‑0 thrashing. Alexander Sørloth (Atletico Madrid) and Oscar Bobb (Manchester City) have added depth, while Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal) sits out with a hamstring strain.

• 34 goals scored in the last eight matches
• Only four conceded during the same span
• Three consecutive games with three or more goals
• Five clean sheets in Group I

“We’ve built a side that can dominate possession and still hit the counter with lethal precision,” Solbakken said in a pre‑match interview. “Haaland’s work ethic pushes everyone higher.”

Israel's challenge and recent form

Israel’s journey has been a roller‑coaster. After a 4‑2 loss in Debrecen (March 2025) and a 5‑0 demolition in September (where Haaland netted a hat‑trick after missing a penalty twice), the Israelis have managed to keep scoring – they’ve failed to find the net only once in their last 13 outings.

Goalkeeper Daniel Peretz remains a fan favourite, especially after a dramatic VAR‑driven penalty retake against Haaland in September. “It felt like the world was watching every breath I took,” Peretz recalled. “Even when the call went against me, I stayed focused.”

Ben Shimon’s side will rely on veteran striker Eran Mizrahi to provide a glimmer of hope. “We respect Norway, but we’re not here to be spectators,” the Israeli manager warned. “If we score first, the game opens up.”

Reactions from managers and players

After the final whistle, a jubilant Solbakken praised his squad’s discipline. “We kept the shape, pressed high, and took our chances. That’s how championships are won.”

Haaland, ever the modest winger‑turned‑striker, shrugged off the praise. “It’s a team effort. I just finish the chances the lads create,” he said, glancing at the roaring Oslo crowd.

On the other side, Ben Shimon accepted the defeat with grace. “We gave it our all. The fans were amazing, and we’ll learn from this for the next matches.”

Implications for Italy and the play‑offs

Italy, coached by Luciano Spalletti, sit at 9 points after a 3‑0 loss in Oslo on June 15 2025. The defeat not only widened the points gap but also hammered their goal‑difference advantage. Football Italia’s analysis suggests Italy now face the dreaded play‑off route, a scenario they have avoided since the 2020 Euro qualifiers.

Spalletti admitted the pressure. “We have to stay positive. The next two games against Estonia and Albania are decisive.” Italy’s next fixture is on October 14 2025 against Estonia, the same day Norway meet the Baltic side.

Should Norway win, they cruise into the World Cup with a perfect record. A draw would still leave them eight points clear with three games remaining – virtually a guaranteed spot.

What comes next

Norway’s calendar continues with an away clash against Estonia on October 14 2025. A win there would seal the top spot beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Israel travel to Italy for a showdown that could further dent the Azzurri’s morale.

For fans, the drama is far from over. The group’s final round of fixtures in November promises high‑stakes battles, and the storylines – from Haaland’s pursuit of a 10‑goal tally to Italy’s fight for survival – will keep football lovers glued to their screens.