Norway Move Closer to First World Cup in 28 Years
Norway took a massive step toward qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 5–0 victory over Israel in the World Cup qualifiers. The night belonged to Erling Haaland, who delivered yet another masterclass by scoring a stunning hat-trick, taking his international tally to 51 goals in just 46 appearances.
This victory keeps Norway’s dream alive of returning to football’s grandest stage for the first time since 1998, ending a 28-year absence from the World Cup.
Erling Haaland: The Norwegian Machine Continues to Rewrite History
There are goal scorers — and then there’s Erling Haaland. The 25-year-old striker continues to defy football logic with his record-breaking consistency. Against Israel, Haaland struck early in the 6th minute, added another in the 27th, and sealed his hat-trick in the 72nd minute, leaving the opposition defense helpless.
With his latest heroics, Haaland becomes only the sixth player in football history to reach 50 international goals in fewer than 50 caps — joining an elite list that includes legends like Poul Nielsen (36 games), Gerd Müller (41), Ferenc Puskás (41), and Sándor Kocsis (42).
He’s not just scoring goals — he’s breaking historical milestones at a pace that even football’s greatest names struggled to match.
10 Games in a Row: A Streak of Pure Greatness
Erling Haaland’s form this season has been nothing short of superhuman. The Norwegian captain has now scored in 10 consecutive games for club and country, amassing an astonishing 20 goals in just 12 matches.
Here’s a look at his scoring streak this season:
- ⚽️⚽️ vs Wolves
- ❌ vs Tottenham (only game he didn’t score)
- ⚽️ vs Brighton
- ⚽️ vs Finland
- ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️ vs Moldova
- ⚽️⚽️ vs Manchester United
- ⚽️ vs Napoli
- ⚽️ vs Arsenal
- ⚽️⚽️ vs Burnley
- ⚽️⚽️ vs Monaco
- ⚽️ vs Brentford
- ⚽️⚽️⚽️ vs Israel
This level of consistency highlights why Haaland is widely regarded as the most lethal striker in world football. His power, precision, and unrelenting hunger for goals have turned Norway into a real threat in international competitions.
Norway’s Rising Ambition
Under the guidance of head coach Ståle Solbakken, Norway have transformed into a balanced and disciplined side. The blend of experience and youthful energy — with stars like Martin Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth, and Haaland leading the charge — has made Norway one of the most exciting teams to watch in Europe.
The team’s 5–0 demolition of Israel not only boosts their goal difference but also sends a clear message to rivals: Norway are back on the world stage and ready to compete.
Reactions and Records
Football fans and analysts across the globe have run out of superlatives for Haaland’s extraordinary run. Social media exploded after his hat-trick, with fans calling him “The Nordic Terminator” and “A goal-scoring machine built for greatness.”
Statisticians also highlighted that Haaland’s goal-to-game ratio (1.1) now ranks among the highest in modern international football history — putting him in the same conversation as all-time greats.
What Lies Ahead
With qualification nearly secured, Norway will now aim to finish top of their group and prepare for their long-awaited return to the World Cup in 2026. If Haaland maintains his current trajectory, he could enter the tournament as one of the most feared forwards on the planet — and possibly as the player to watch in North America.
Conclusion
Erling Haaland’s unstoppable form continues to propel Norway toward football’s biggest stage. With 51 goals in 46 caps and a remarkable run of form, the Manchester City star is proving that his goal-scoring prowess knows no limits.
For Norway, this isn’t just a qualification campaign — it’s a rebirth of Norwegian football, driven by a generational talent who’s turning dreams into reality.
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