Norway’s national team delivered a commanding 4-1 win over Italy in their latest World Cup qualifier a result that officially booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The victory was driven once again by Erling Haaland whose two decisive goals extended his extraordinary scoring streak in the qualifiers. His performance not only pushed Norway across the qualification line but also drew praise from world chess No 1 Magnus Carlsen who reacted on social media after the historic achievement.
Haaland has been central to Norway’s campaign scoring 16 goals in eight matches and finding the net in every qualifier so far. Speaking after the match he admitted the pressure was intense but said the feeling of relief and excitement made the night even more meaningful. Norway captain Martin Odegaard continues to shine as well leading European qualifying charts with seven assists.
Norway’s qualification marks the nation’s fourth appearance at a FIFA World Cup following earlier entries in 1938 1994 and 1998. Adding to the nostalgic significance Haaland’s father Alf Inge was part of the 1994 squad.
The match took a dramatic turn after Italy opened the scoring early through Francesco Pio Esposito. Norway responded in the second half with Ahmed Nusa finding the equaliser. Haaland then took control scoring twice in quick succession before Jorgen Strand Larsen sealed the win in stoppage time. Elsewhere Portugal also confirmed their World Cup spot with a dominant 9-1 win against Armenia featuring hat tricks from Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves.