Israel vs Norway Prediction: Match Preview and Analysis | World Cup Qualification

On Tuesday, March 25, at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Israel and Norway will face off in the second match of Group I of the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Both teams currently have three points, having won their opening matches against Estonia and Moldova, respectively. This match is crucial as it provides a key opportunity to collect three more points and strengthen their chances of securing a spot at the next World Cup. Norway appears to be in a stronger position, as they showcased their attacking prowess in their 5-0 thrashing of Moldova. Stale Solbakken’s squad dominated the game, scoring four goals in the first half and comfortably managing the result in the second. Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth, Norway’s top strikers, both found the net in the victory, raising optimism among Norwegian supporters ahead of this crucial encounter. Meanwhile, Israel struggled in their 2-1 win over Estonia, securing victory only in the final 15 minutes of the match. Additionally, the lack of home support could further hinder their performance. Despite being only the second matchday, this fixture could already prove decisive in determining World Cup qualification.

Israel's Recent and Key Statistics

Israel’s 2-1 victory over Estonia confirmed their positive momentum, following a draw in France and a 1-0 “home” win against Belgium. This recent success keeps alive their dream of qualifying for a major tournament, something they have not achieved since 1970.

In their last five matches, Israel has recorded 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, averaging 1 goal per game while conceding nearly 1.8 goals per match.

Norway's Recent Form and Key Statistics

Norway enters this top-of-the-group clash on the back of three consecutive wins against Slovenia, Kazakhstan, and Moldova. Their dominant 5-0 win over Moldova followed another 5-0 thrashing of Kazakhstan in the Nations League on November 17.

Having scored 18 goals in their last five matches—an impressive average of 3.6 goals per game—Norway has lost just one of their last eight official matches (5 wins, 2 draws).

Israel vs Norway Prediction and Tactical Overview

With matches coming in quick succession, both coaches may consider some squad rotations. Norway could be forced into a defensive change, with Heggem replacing Ostigard, who was injured against Moldova.

Regardless of lineup adjustments, this match is expected to be highly competitive, as both teams will go all-out to claim the three crucial points. It is worth noting that only the group winner qualifies directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the second-place team will have to go through the playoffs.

Considering that the guests remain the favourites for the final victory, the BetMines algorithm prediction for Israel vs Norway predicts that both teams will score at least one goal. 

• The BetMines algorithm prediction for the Israel vs Norway match predicts that both teams will score at least one goal at 60%.
• The BeetMines algorithm prediction for the Israel vs Norway match predicts that at least one of the two teams will not score a goal at 40%.

Predicted Lineups Israel vs Norway

Israel (4-2-3-1): Peretz; Dasa, Nachmias, Shlomo, Revivo; Jaber, Abu Fani; Biton, Gloukh, Solomon; David. Coach: Shimon.

Norway (4-1-3-2): Nyland; Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Donnum; Odegaard, Berge, Aasgaard; Sorloth, Haaland, Schjelderup. Coach: Solbakken.