Norges Fotballforbund

Group I Winners • Perfect Qualifying Record

Qualification Journey

Norway ended their 28-year World Cup exile with a dominant 4-1 victory over four-time world champions Italy at the San Siro on November 16, 2025. In what will be remembered as one of the most significant results in Norwegian football history, Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway completed a perfect qualifying campaign with 8 wins from 8 matches, finishing the campaign with an astonishing 24 points and a plus-32 goal difference.

The historic qualification campaign featured remarkable achievements:

• Perfect record: 8 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses in UEFA Group I
• Scored 37 goals while conceding just 5 across the campaign
• Erling Haaland finished with 16 goals, matching Robert Lewandowski’s European qualifying record
• First World Cup qualification since France 1998
• Sent Italy to the playoffs for the third consecutive World Cup cycle

Match Analysis: Italy 1-4 Norway

The qualification-clinching victory in Milan was a statement of intent from Ståle Solbakken’s side. Italy needed to win by nine goals to overtake Norway on goal difference, and Francesco Pio Esposito gave them hope with an early 11th-minute opener. However, Norway showed their championship quality in the second half, completely turning the match around.

Antonio Nusa equalized in the 63rd minute with a dipping shot that beat Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Then came the Erling Haaland show. The Manchester City striker swept home a volley in the 78th minute to give Norway the lead, before adding his second just 90 seconds later with a lovely flicked finish. Jørgen Strand Larsen completed the scoring in stoppage time to seal Norway’s triumphant return to the World Cup stage.

Road to Qualification Excellence

Norway’s qualifying campaign was nothing short of sensational from start to finish. It began with a statement 3-0 victory over Italy at home, immediately establishing their credentials as group favorites. They followed that with an extraordinary 11-1 demolition of Moldova, with Haaland scoring four goals in that match alone.

Other impressive results included a 5-0 victory over Israel and a 4-1 win over Estonia in their penultimate match. What made Norway’s campaign particularly special was their consistency and ruthlessness. They never dropped points, maintaining focus and intensity throughout the entire qualifying period. The team’s attacking prowess was matched by defensive solidity, conceding just five goals across eight matches.

Squad Depth and Tactical Evolution

While Erling Haaland rightfully receives most of the headlines with his record-breaking 16 goals, Norway’s success has been built on collective strength. Martin Ødegaard, the Arsenal captain, orchestrated play from midfield with 7 assists, providing the creative spark that unlocked opposing defenses. The partnership between Haaland and Ødegaard has been the foundation of Norway’s attacking threat.

Ståle Solbakken has built a team that doesn’t rely solely on individual brilliance. Alexander Sørloth provides an alternative attacking option, while players like Kristian Thorstvedt, Sander Berge, and Patrick Berg offer quality in midfield. Defensively, the team has been organized and disciplined, with goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland rarely troubled throughout the campaign.

Looking Ahead to 2026 World Cup

Norway’s return to the World Cup after 28 years represents a dream come true for a generation of Norwegian fans who have watched their team struggle through multiple failed qualifying campaigns. The last time Norway competed at a World Cup was France 1998, where they reached the Round of 16 before losing to Italy. That defeat has now been avenged in spectacular fashion.

At 26 years old when the 2026 tournament begins, Erling Haaland will be entering his absolute prime. Combined with Ødegaard’s creativity and the emergence of other young talents, Norway arrives at the World Cup with genuine ambitions of making a deep run. The expanded 48-team format provides additional opportunities, and Norway’s perfect qualifying record suggests they have the quality to compete with anyone.

Norway returns to the World Cup stage after 28 years with one of the most exciting squads in international football. Led by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, the Scandinavian nation will aim to surpass their 1998 Round of 16 finish and announce their arrival among football’s elite.