BERLIN, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick as Norway crushed Israel 5-0 to notch its sixth win in as many matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification on Saturday.

Haaland's sixth hat-trick in 46 international games has ignited hopes for Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998.

Norway's comfortable win increases the pressure on Italy, which defeated Estonia 3-1 but remains second in the group and might have to face the playoffs.

Norway leads Group I with 18 points while Italy follows with 12 points but has a game in hand, meaning that their duel in November might be the last chance for Italy to turn things around.

Powerhouses Spain and Portugal push their qualification campaigns forward with home victories, both having nine points from three games.

Spain notched a 2-0 victory over Georgia in Group E, while despite Cristiano Ronaldo missing a penalty, Portugal edged Ireland 1-0 in Group F.

Türkiye thrashed Bulgaria 6-1, sitting second behind Spain with six points, while Hungary beat Armenia 2-0 in Group F.

In Group K, led by England which has a perfect winning record, Albania cemented its second position with a 1-0 win over Serbia, while Latvia and Andorra played out a 2-2 draw. ■