World Cup 2026: Historic qualification for Haaland and Norway

World Cup 2026 17 November 2025 at 02:55

Joshua SOSSOU

News Editor

16.11.25 FT World Cup Qualification UEFA

Italy

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Norway

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Erling Haaland and Norway make history on the road to the 2026 World Cup.

On Sunday, Norway officially secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a stunning 4-1 away win over Italy in a decisive Group I clash. After conceding early to an Esposito opener (11'), the Norwegians turned the tide in the second half with goals from Nusa (63'), a Haaland brace (78', 80'), and a final strike from Strand Larsen (90'+3).

Thanks to this triumph, the Scandinavian side completed a flawless qualifying campaign: 8 wins from 8 matches, 37 goals scored, and Haaland finishing with 16 goals. Norway will play in their first World Cup since 1998. The striker also matches Lewandowski's record from the 2018 World Cup European qualifiers, but with two games to spare.

Italy, meanwhile, will head to the play-offs for the third consecutive time, following two failed attempts in previous campaigns.

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World Cup Qualification UEFA