Norway vs Israel Prediction – World Cup Qualifier 2025: Haaland and Ødegaard Aim to Dominate in Oslo

⚽ Norway vs Israel – World Cup Qualification 2025 Preview

The Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo will host a fascinating World Cup Qualification clash on October 11, 2025, as Norway face Israel in what promises to be a dynamic and high-intensity encounter. 🇳🇴🔥🇮🇱

With both sides in the race for qualification, this match carries significant weight. Norway, led by global stars Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, are eager to prove their credentials as one of Europe’s rising powers, while Israel arrive with confidence after an encouraging start to 2025, powered by young attacking talents and an ambitious style of play.

📊 Team Form and 2025 Performance

Norway (2025 form):
The Norwegians have been steadily building under coach Ståle Solbakken, showing maturity and tactical balance. Their qualifying campaign began with a 3–0 victory over Belarus, followed by a hard-fought 1–1 draw with Switzerland, and a convincing 4–1 win over Cyprus. However, a narrow 1–2 defeat to Croatia reminded them that consistency at the top level remains key.

At home, Norway have been strong, boasting a five-match unbeaten streak in Oslo throughout 2025. Their attacking power — led by Haaland and Ødegaard — has produced some of Europe’s most exciting football, with the team averaging nearly 2.5 goals per game this year. Defensively, though, lapses in focus have occasionally let opponents back into matches, something they must avoid against a well-organized Israeli side.

Israel (2025 form):
Israel’s campaign under Alon Hazan has been steady but mixed. They started the year with a 2–1 win over North Macedonia, drew 1–1 with Romania, lost narrowly 1–2 to Switzerland, and then edged Kazakhstan 1–0 at home. Their defensive shape has improved considerably, while the emergence of young talents like Oscar Gloukh has injected creativity into their midfield.

However, Israel’s away form remains a concern. In 2025, they’ve managed just one win in four road games, conceding six goals in that span. Facing a powerful Norwegian attack on home soil will be their biggest test yet in this qualification cycle.

⚔️ Head-to-Head Record

Norway and Israel have met sparingly over the decades, with the Scandinavian side historically holding the edge.

• Total Meetings: 5

• Norway Wins: 3

• Israel Wins: 1

• Draws: 1

• Last Meeting (June 2022): Israel 1–2 Norway

In their last encounter, Norway triumphed 2–1 in Tel Aviv, thanks to goals from Haaland and Elyounoussi. Historically, Norway’s greater physicality and attacking efficiency have given them the upper hand, though Israel’s technical midfield play often keeps matches competitive.

🧩 Predicted Lineups

Norway (4-3-3):
Nyland – Ryerson, Ajer, Østigård, Meling – Berg, Ødegaard, Thorstvedt – Sørloth, Haaland, Elyounoussi

Israel (4-2-3-1):
Marciano – Menachem, Tibi, Arad, Dasa – Lavi, Peretz – Solomon, Gloukh, Weissman – Zahavi

🔍 Tactical Analysis and Match Outlook

Norway’s approach will be direct yet composed. Solbakken’s men thrive when controlling tempo through Ødegaard’s creative influence in midfield. The Arsenal star orchestrates transitions and supplies precision passes for Haaland’s devastating runs behind defenders. Sørloth’s physical presence on the wing allows Norway to stretch the pitch, creating space centrally for their star striker.

Defensively, Ajer and Østigård form a reliable partnership, but they must remain alert to Israel’s quick counters — particularly through Manor Solomon and Eran Zahavi, who can punish even small defensive lapses.

Israel’s tactics will likely focus on compact defending and transitional play. With Lavi and Peretz shielding the back four, they will attempt to absorb pressure and exploit spaces behind Norway’s advanced fullbacks. Gloukh’s vision and Solomon’s dribbling ability could trouble the Norwegian defense, especially on the break.

Set-pieces may prove decisive. Norway’s aerial power, featuring Haaland and Ajer, contrasts sharply with Israel’s technical, ground-based style. Expect the Norwegians to exploit corners and free-kicks near the box, while Israel might look to spring quick counterattacks when recovering possession.

⭐ Players to Watch

• Erling Haaland (Norway): Europe’s most lethal striker continues to dominate defenses with his power and precision.

• Martin Ødegaard (Norway): The creative brain of the team; his passing range and leadership are crucial.

• Alexander Sørloth (Norway): Offers a physical alternative and aerial threat alongside Haaland.

• Oscar Gloukh (Israel): The 21-year-old playmaker is Israel’s spark in the final third.

• Manor Solomon (Israel): Quick, unpredictable, and capable of producing magic moments on the counter.

⚖️ Key Match Factors

• Home Dominance: Norway are unbeaten at Ullevaal in 2025 and average over two goals per game there.

• Star Power: Haaland and Ødegaard’s chemistry continues to elevate Norway’s attacking game.

• Israel’s Defensive Discipline: The visitors must stay compact and limit open spaces behind their midfield.

• Set-Piece Potential: Norway’s height advantage could be a decisive factor.

🔮 Match Prediction

Norway enter this fixture as clear favorites, boasting superior firepower, better form, and home advantage. Israel have the talent to cause problems — particularly through Gloukh and Solomon — but they may struggle to contain Norway’s relentless attacking duo of Haaland and Ødegaard over 90 minutes.

Expect Israel to defend valiantly and threaten occasionally on the break, but Norway’s quality should shine through, especially in the second half as fatigue sets in for the visitors.

✅ Predicted Score: Norway 3–1 Israel
✅ Both Teams to Score: Yes
✅ Total Goals: Over 2.5

🏁 Conclusion

The Norway vs Israel clash in Oslo is set to be an exciting World Cup qualifier filled with attacking football, technical skill, and star quality. Norway’s home advantage and elite forward line should see them claim three important points in their quest for qualification, but Israel’s resilience could ensure an entertaining contest.

Fans can expect goals, intensity, and flashes of brilliance — particularly from Haaland, Ødegaard, and Gloukh — in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of this international window. 🇳🇴⚽🇮🇱