Norway vs. Israel: World Cup Qualifying Match Preview
The Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo is set to host a crucial Group I World Cup qualifying match between Norway and Israel on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Norway, currently leading the group with a perfect record, will be looking to solidify their position and move closer to their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Israel, sitting in third place, needs a win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
How to Watch:
For fans in Norway, the match will be broadcast live on TV 2 Play and TV 2 Direkte. In Israel, it will be available on 5Sport. Other options include Fubo TV (with Fox Soccer Plus), Amazon Prime Video (with Paramount+ add-on), and ViX. Check local listings for streaming options in your region. The match is scheduled to kick off at 17:00 BST.
Form and Team News:
Norway has been in scintillating form, winning all five of their qualifying matches and scoring a remarkable 24 goals in the process. Their most recent outing saw them thrash Moldova 11-1, with Erling Haaland scoring five goals. However, they will be without influential midfielder Martin Odegaard due to a knee injury. Patrick Berg and Thelo Aasgaard are likely candidates to fill his position.
Israel enters the match with three wins and two losses in their qualifying campaign. Their matches have been high-scoring affairs, including a recent 4-5 defeat to Italy. They have no fresh injury concerns and may field a similar starting XI to the one against Italy, with Manor Solomon and Oscar Gloukh posing a threat in attack.
Betting Odds and Predictions:
Norway is the clear favorite to win the match. Bookmakers offer odds of 1/5 for a Norway win, while a draw is priced at 6/1, and an Israel victory at 12/1. Erling Haaland is heavily favored to score, with odds of 9/5 for him to score two or more goals.
Betting tips suggest considering both teams to score at 10/11, as Israel has found the net in all of their World Cup qualifiers so far. Over 3.5 goals in the match is also a likely outcome, given both teams' attacking prowess and Israel's defensive vulnerabilities. A predicted scoreline is Norway 3-1 Israel.
Key Match Facts:
- Norway has won their last eight matches.
- Norway defeated Israel 4-2 in their previous encounter in March.
- Israel has scored in nine of their last ten matches.
- At least three goals have been scored in 13 of Israel's last World Cup qualifying matches.
Atmosphere and Context:
This match carries significant weight beyond the field. Tensions are high due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with large protests expected in Oslo. The Norwegian Football Federation has been a vocal critic of Israel's participation in international competitions and will donate the match proceeds to Doctors Without Borders' work in Gaza. Security measures have been heightened, making this the most high-security sports event in Norway since the 1994 Winter Olympics.
Norway's manager, Ståle Solbakken, acknowledged the unique atmosphere surrounding the match, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful and fair game. Striker Alexander Sorloth echoed this sentiment, stating that the players are aware of the situation but remain focused on their professional duties.
Conclusion:
Norway vs. Israel promises to be a compelling encounter, both on and off the pitch. Norway's dominant form and firepower make them strong favorites, but Israel's attacking threat and need for points could lead to a high-scoring affair. The heightened security and political tensions add another layer of intrigue to this crucial World Cup qualifier.
