OSLO — On the very morning Norway hosted Israel in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Norwegian capital was unusually busy.
At the same time and in the same area, the inaugural gathering of the new parliament took place — attended by King Harald V — alongside a large pro-Palestinian protest.
The demonstrations were largely peaceful, with protesters marching toward Ullevaal Stadion. Outside the stadium, pyrotechnics lit up the air, giving what had been a sleepy matchday atmosphere a much fiercer edge.
The gaps were too big. Eliel Peretz with Alexander Sørloth (Photo courtesy: Shaul Greenfeld/BabaGol)
Inside the ground, tension was palpable. During the national anthems, local fans booed the Israeli anthem and unfurled a massive Palestinian flag in the stands.
On the pitch, the opening minutes were frantic. Daniel Peretz produced a tremendous save to deny Erling Braut Haaland from close range and then the drama truly began.
Norway were awarded a penalty after a soft challenge inside the box, but Peretz stopped Haaland’s first attempt brilliantly. Moments later, referee Szymon Marciniak ordered a retake, ruling that an Israeli defender had encroached before the shot. Peretz saved the second penalty as well, stunning the Oslo crowd.
For a few moments, Israel believed they could pull off something special and began testing Ørjan Nyland in the Norwegian goal. But slowly, the difference in quality became clear.
In the 18th minute, a Norwegian counterattack led by Sander Berge found Alexander Sørloth on the right. His chipped cross was accidentally turned into his own net by Anan Khalaili, giving Norway the lead.
A perfect game. Antonio Nusa celebrates. (Photo courtesy: Shaul Greenfeld/BabaGol)
That own goal marked the start of Israel’s defensive collapse. Nine minutes later, Haaland beat Idan Nachmias in another counterattack and slotted home with his right foot to make it 2–0.
Barely a minute later, it was 3–0. Miscommunication between Peretz and Nachmias ended with Nachmias deflecting the ball past his own goalkeeper while trying to stop Haaland — injuring himself in the process. Matan Baltaxa came on as his replacement, but the damage was done. Norway went into halftime with a commanding 3–0 lead.
A moment defining the first half. Nachmias’ own goal (Photo courtesy: Shaul Greenfeld/BabaGol)
SECOND HALF
The second half began with Norway controlling possession without creating many chances, until the 62nd minute — when Haaland rose above Israel’s defense to head in his 50th goal for Norway, in just his 46th international appearance.
Ten minutes later, Antonio Nusa, who was excellent throughout the night, sent in a perfect lob from the left wing, and Haaland was there again to complete his hat-trick. 5–0 Norway.
Meanwhile, protests outside the stadium escalated, and Norwegian police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
In the 88th minute, Israel received its first yellow card of the night, Dor Turgeman, who had come on just minutes earlier, was booked for a foul. Israel’s lack of aggression throughout the match reflected the psychological toll of recent months and the magnitude of the challenge they faced.
At the final whistle, the Israeli players walked toward the away end, applauding the few traveling supporters who had made the trip to Oslo.
A night that began with hope for a sensation ended most predictably — Haaland’s Norway triumphant, and Israel left to regroup.
After the game, Israel head coach Ran Ben Shimon summed up the evening with a tone of disappointment and reflection: “We fell short purely on professional terms — I don’t want to talk about everything that happened around us. We failed in every aspect. Norway are a very strong team, and this was a big lesson for us”.
“We want our matches to return to Israel. The national team needs to bring something new to our society. I believe this team has a broader perspective than just football.”
When asked to take one positive thing from the match, Ben Shimon said: “The only positive thing I’m taking from tonight is the final whistle”.
Daniel Peretz who saved two penalties from Haaland, but conceded a hat-trick from the Norwegian said: “I’ll take both from this game, but it wasn’t a good game of mine”.
Next up for the Israelis its Italy in Udine, where also hostile atmosphere awaits the players.
Next up for Israel: Italy in Udine, where another hostile atmosphere awaits.
A hat-trick, 50th goal for the national team and a massive step towards to the World Cup. Erling Haaland (Photo courtesy: Shaul Greenfeld/BabaGol)
For the first time since Oct. 7, 2023, Palestinian club football returns this weekend as 226 teams compete across three war-scarred regions.