Norway closed their qualification campaign in dominant style after a 4-1 victory over Italy confirmed their place at the 2026 World Cup, marking their first appearance on the global stage since 1998. The result capped a flawless run through Group I, where Norway collected all 24 points from their eight matches and showcased a team powered by confidence, discipline, and the unstoppable form of Erling Haaland.
Italy entered the final match needing an almost impossible nine-goal swing to overtake Norway, but the visitors were not interested in playing it safe. Instead, they delivered a statement win inside a soaked San Siro, where more than 70,000 fans watched a Norwegian side that seemed fully aware of the moment they were about to seize.
How Did Haaland’s Brilliance Shape Norway’s Qualification?
Haaland once again proved decisive, scoring a quick-fire brace in the 78th and 79th minutes to put the match firmly out of reach. His goals brought his qualifying tally to an astonishing 16, reinforcing his status as the competition’s most lethal finisher. The Manchester City striker, described by coach Stale Solbakken as a “goal machine,” has been averaging more than a goal per game this season for both club and country, and his influence continues to elevate Norway’s ambitions heading into next summer’s finals.
The match began with Italy grabbing an early lead through Pio Esposito in the 11th minute, but the momentum shifted when Antonio Nusa struck a powerful equaliser in the 63rd minute. From that moment, Norway played with renewed intensity. Haaland’s double transformed the atmosphere, and Jorgen Strand Larsen sealed the win in stoppage time with a brilliant individual effort that silenced the remaining home supporters.
Solbakken, while proud of his team, was careful not to get ahead of the moment. “Let’s see the draw first… I haven’t even thought about it. For me, it (tonight) was to go from 99 percent to 100 percent and now we have done it in a great way,” he told reporters. His measured response reflects a team focused not just on the celebration, but on preparing for the challenges ahead in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What Does This Result Mean for Italy and Their World Cup Hopes?
Meanwhile, Italy face a far more uncertain road. Finishing six points behind Norway, they now head into the March play-offs, haunted by memories of recent collapses. Their fans made their frustrations clear as whistles rang through the San Siro at full-time. Coach Gennaro Gattuso did not hide from the criticism, apologising in a brief appearance on public broadcaster RAI. “It’s worrying, I’d be a liar to say that it doesn’t concern me,” he said. “What worries me is that we’ll next see each other in three months.”
Italy’s struggle began early in the qualifying campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Norway in the opening match, a loss that ended Luciano Spalletti’s tenure. Gattuso’s arrival brought short-term improvement, but his squad lacks a talismanic presence to match the influence Haaland has within the Norwegian side.
Failing to qualify for the last two World Cups was already a painful chapter for a nation that has produced some of football’s greatest players. Now, with another play-off looming, the pressure intensifies as Italy fights to avoid another setback on the global stage.
By Yockshard Enyendi