Norway has officially booked its place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a 28-year wait after a commanding 4–1 victory over Italy, powered by a brilliant brace from superstar striker Erling Haaland. The result not only sealed Norway’s qualification but also pushed Italy into the playoffs, deepening the pressure on the four-time world champions.
The match, played at San Siro, began with Italy striking first through youngster Francesco Pio Esposito, raising hopes of an Italian revival in front of a restless home crowd. But Norway responded with remarkable composure. After steady pressure, Antonio Nusa delivered the equaliser with a deflected left-footed strike early in the second half, shifting momentum firmly toward the visitors.
From there, Haaland took over the night. The Manchester City forward scored twice in quick succession first with a thunderous volley, then with a cold finish from close range showcasing the lethal instincts that made him Europe’s most feared marksman throughout the qualifiers. His performance extended an extraordinary scoring run that helped Norway dominate their qualifying group.
READ ALSO: Pate, ICPC Launch Multi-Year Health Accountability Pact
Norway’s victory was later capped by Jørgen Strand Larsen, who added a fourth goal in stoppage time to seal what became one of the nation’s most significant football achievements in decades.
The qualification marks the end of a long drought for the Scandinavian nation, whose last World Cup appearance came in 1998. With a new wave of talent and Haaland leading the line, Norway completed a superb campaign that has been widely praised across Europe. Coach Ståle Solbakken’s side demonstrated discipline, intensity, and a clear attacking identity traits that powered their return to football’s biggest stage.
Italy, meanwhile, now face the uncertainty of the playoff path a familiar and painful scenario for the Azzurri, who have already missed two of the last three World Cups. Their defeat against Norway underscored persistent issues in goal scoring and defensive lapses that have troubled the squad throughout the qualifying cycle.
The win has sparked celebrations across Norway, with fans and pundits describing the achievement as the beginning of a “golden era.” As excitement builds ahead of the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, expectations are high that Haaland and his emerging supporting cast can make a deep run on the global stage.