After moving six points clear at the top of Group I, Norway will look to take another major step toward qualification for the 2026 World Cup when they host Israel on Saturday. With a perfect record from five matches and a commanding goal difference, the Norwegians are closing in on a long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.
Norway’s last World Cup appearance came back in 1998, but under Stale Solbakken, that drought looks set to end. They began their qualifying campaign with back-to-back wins before demolishing Italy 3-0 at home, asserting themselves as clear group favorites. Since then, the Scandinavian side has shown consistency and ruthlessness. They edged Estonia 1-0 and then destroyed Moldova 11-1 in a record-breaking display.
🚨🇳🇴 Norway have a 100% win record in their World Cup 2026 qualifying group!
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) September 9, 2025
✅ 5-0 win vs Moldova
✅ 4-2 win vs Israel
✅ 3-0 win vs Italy
✅ 1-0 win vs Estonia
✅ 11-1 win vs Moldova
The last time Norway qualified for the World Cup was back in 1998. 👀 pic.twitter.com/XoHk4bcecC
| Bets | Moneyline | Moneyline |
| Full Time Result | Norway: -450, Israel: +1000 | Draw: +625 |
| Draw No Bet | Norway: -1600 | Israel: +750 |
| Total Goals | Over 3.5: -118 | Under 3.5: -120 |
| Norway to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +145 | No: +110 |
| Israel to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +1350 | No: +1650 |
(Odds via BetMGM)
Norway’s dominance has given them a six-point cushion over both Italy and Israel. As a result, automatic qualification now looks firmly within reach. With momentum and confidence on their side, Solbakken’s men know that three points against Israel would almost seal their ticket to the 2026 finals.
Israel, meanwhile, remain in contention for at least a playoff berth, but their margin for error is shrinking. Ran Ben Shimon’s team suffered a heartbreaking 5-4 defeat to Italy in September. Now tied on points with Italy but behind on goal difference and having played a game more. Israel must pull off a massive upset in Oslo to stay alive in the race for qualification.
Norway and Israel’s recent results point strongly toward a high-scoring encounter. Norway have been in explosive form, netting 24 goals in five qualifiers. Israel, meanwhile, have been involved in end-to-end games, most notably their 4-5 loss to Italy. That match exposed both their attacking intent and defensive frailty. With Norway’s relentless forward play and Israel’s open, counterattacking style, goals are expected at both ends, making Over 3.5 Goals @ -118 highly likely.
There’s more value backing Erling Haaland to score first rather than the anytime line (-250). Haaland is Norway’s focal point and primary penalty-taker. He’s in frightening form: 9 goals in 5 World Cup qualifiers for Norway (plus 2 assists) and 9 in 7 league games for his club Man City. With Norway heavy favourites and most attacks likely to to go through Haaland, the +200 on him breaking the deadlock looks the smarter price.
Erling Haaland has scored 48 goals in 45 games for Norway. His next opponent?
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 7, 2025
Israel! 👀 pic.twitter.com/WS3eOXZUs8
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Norway are expected to maintain their perfect qualifying run with another convincing victory, though Israel’s attacking potential suggests they won’t go down quietly. Led by the unstoppable Erling Haaland, the new generation has transformed the team’s fortunes. Their home dominance, attacking depth, and superior organization give them a clear edge. Expect Norway to control proceedings, create waves of pressure and secure a convincing win here.
Final Prediction: Norway 3-1 Israel
Bettors can explore a variety of betting options on BetMGM, including full-time results, over/under goals, and player props for this clash.
soccer I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.
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