Erling Haaland led Norway to a commanding 5-0 victory over Israel in the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers, securing a hat-trick that extended his international tally to 51 goals in just 46 appearances. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score in Portugal’s narrow 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland, missing a penalty and continuing his search for an elusive goal in the qualifiers.
Norway’s Stunning Performance
- Erling Haaland stole the spotlight with an incredible hat-trick against Israel, cementing his place among Europe’s top scorers. His performance has propelled Norway to the top of Group I, with 18 points after six matches, extending their unbeaten streak.
- Norway’s +26 goal difference highlights their dominance in the group, and with their sixth consecutive win, they are now firmly positioned for a direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo’s Missed Opportunity
- Despite a 1-0 win for Portugal over Ireland, Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to add to his record of 141 international goals. He missed a penalty in the 75th minute and failed to deliver in an otherwise tight match.
- However, Portugal remains at the top of Group F, with 9 points from 3 matches, staying ahead of Hungary (6 points) and Sweden (4 points).
Group Standings Update (as of October 11, 2025):
Group I
| Team | Matches | Wins | Goals | Conceded | GD | Points | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | 6 | 6 | 29 | 3 | +26 | 18 | Leading |
| Italy | 5 | 4 | 14 | 7 | +7 | 12 | 2nd Place |
Group F
| Team | Matches | Wins | Goals | Conceded | GD | Points | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 3 | 3 | 7 | 2 | +5 | 9 | Leading |
| Hungary | 3 | 2 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 6 | 2nd Place |
Key Points:
- Haaland’s Performance: Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick, bringing his World Cup qualifying goals tally to 12 in 8 appearances, leading Norway to a decisive victory and extending their unbeaten streak in Group I.
- Ronaldo’s Performance: Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty and failed to score for Portugal, which dampened his pursuit of the all-time World Cup qualifying goals record. His performance has left fans concerned about his form ahead of the remaining qualifiers.
Looking Ahead:
- Norway: With Italy chasing closely behind, Norway’s upcoming matches against Estonia and Italy could be decisive in securing their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
- Portugal: Ronaldo’s form will be key as Portugal faces Hungary and Sweden in their next qualifying fixtures. While their defense has been solid, the lack of goals from their star player has raised questions about their long-term World Cup hopes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many goals has Haaland scored in World Cup qualifiers?
Erling Haaland has scored 12 goals in 8 World Cup qualifying appearances. His hat-trick against Israel extended his total to 51 international goals.
2. What happened to Ronaldo in Portugal’s match against Ireland?
Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty and failed to score in Portugal’s 1-0 victory over Ireland, continuing his struggle for goals in the qualifiers.
3. What is the current standing of Norway and Portugal in their qualifying groups?
Norway leads Group I with 18 points from 6 matches, while Portugal is at the top of Group F with 9 points from 3 matches.
4. How does Haaland’s performance impact Norway’s qualification?
Haaland’s brilliant performance has positioned Norway as the favorite to qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, currently holding a commanding lead in Group I.
5. What are Portugal’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup?
Despite Ronaldo’s recent struggles, Portugal remains in a strong position at the top of Group F, with their next matches against Hungary and Sweden crucial for their qualification.
