Norway has indeed qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a thrilling 4-1 victory over Italy. This marks their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, with the last time being in 1998 when France won the tournament.
Norway won 4-1 against Italy at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan. Pio Esposito opened the scoring for Italy in the 11th minute, but Antonio Nusa levelled the game with a thumping strike in the 63rd minute. Erling Haaland then scored two goals in quick succession in the 78th and 79th minutes, sealing the win for Norway. Jorgen Strand Larsen added the final goal in stoppage time.
Norway finished top of Group I with a perfect record of 24 points from eight qualifying matches, six points ahead of Italy. Italy will now head to the playoffs in March.
Erling Haaland proved to be a force in reckoning for Norway in the qualifiers, the Manchester City man scored 16 goals averaging more than a goal a game for club and country this season. He also became the quickest player to score 50 goals for Norway, achieving the feat in just 46 matches.
Norway will now participate in their first World Cup since 1998, held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With players like Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Alexander Sørloth, and Antonio Nusa, The Nordic Nation is expected to make a strong impression in the tournament.
