Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick as Norway took a significant step towards qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998 with an emphatic win against Israel.

Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz twice denied the Manchester City forward from the penalty spot in the opening five minutes, saving initially and then stopping again when a retake was ordered for encroachment.

But the hosts did not have to wait long to take the lead, as Israeli midfielder Anan Khalaili headed into his own net from an Alexander Sorloth cross.

Haaland, Norway's record scorer, doubled his side's advantage with a neat right-footed finish.

It was the 10th game in a row for club and country in which he has scored - Haaland has found the net in all but one of his 12 appearances for City and Norway this season.

The hosts then scored a comedic third one minute later when Peretz's clearance rebounded into his own net off defender Idan Nachmias.

Haaland claimed his second with a towering header, before completing his treble by nodding in Antonio Nusa's cross at the back post in the 72nd minute.

The 25-year-old has now scored 51 goals in 46 international appearances - the quickest man in history to score 50 or more goals for his nation, beating Harry Kane's record of bringing up a half century in 71 matches for England.

Haaland's hat-trick - his sixth for Norway - also put him four behind the record in men's internationals that is jointly held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Victory left Norway in a commanding position in Group I as they look to compete in their first major international tournament since 2000 and first World Cup for 28 years.

Second-placed Italy kept their hopes of automatic qualification alive by beating Estonia 3-1 in Tallinn.

Fiorentina striker Moise Kean opened the scoring after four minutes, before striker Mateo Retegui doubled their lead seven minutes before half-time.

Inter Milan striker Francesco Esposito scored his first international goal with a neat first-time finish, while Estonia scored a consolation two minutes later through Rauno Sappinen after Gianluigi Donnarumma spilled a cross.

The victory cut Norway's lead in the group to six points, although Gennaro Gattuso's side have a game in hand.

Italy host Israel on Tuesday, 14 October, when another success would move the four-time world champions six points clear of their third-placed rivals and within three of the leaders.

Italy, who won the Euros in 2021, have failed to qualify for the last two World Cups and last appeared at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

European group winners qualify automatically for the 2026 finals, which take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Norway will continue their campaign at home to Estonia on Thursday, 13 November, with Italy visiting Moldova on the same night. Italy and Norway then meet in the final round, three days later.