The goal machine is back. Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, delivered a historic performance on Tuesday, scoring five goals in Norway’s emphatic 11-1 victory over Moldova in the UEFA Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

With this result, Ståle Solbakken’s side reached 15 points in five matches, consolidating themselves as leaders of Group I and taking a decisive step toward qualifying for the tournament in United States, Mexico, and Canada.

How did the rout unfold?

The match was a Norwegian monologue from the start. At halftime, they were already up 5-0, with Haaland tearing apart Moldova’s defense. Alongside the City striker’s festival of goals, Martin Ødegaard also found the net and provided two assists, confirming his role as Haaland’s perfect partner.

Another standout was Thelo Aasgaard, who bagged four goals, completing Moldova’s nightmare night in Oslo.

With the win, Norway move to 15 points and remain unbeaten in a group where Italy and Israel trail with 9 points, still far from the Nordic side’s dominant pace.

Other UEFA Qualifier results

• In Group K, England maintained their perfect start by thrashing Serbia 5-0, making it 15 points from 15. Albania, with a goal from Kristjan Asllani, sit second with 8 points.
• In Group D, France struggled more than expected but came from behind to beat Iceland 2-1 with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Bradley Barcola.
• In Group F, Armenia shocked Ireland (2-1), while Portugal also mounted a comeback against Slovenia (3-2) thanks to Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, and João Cancelo, maintaining their perfect record.
• In Group H, Austria edged Bosnia 2-1 to share the top spot with 12 points, while Cyprus and Romania drew 2-2, leaving both with slim qualification hopes.

The road to the World Cup

UEFA will award 16 spots for the 2026 World Cup: the 12 group winners qualify directly, while the 12 runners-up will fight in a playoff for the remaining four berths.

With Haaland in unstoppable form, Norway looks poised to return to a World Cup for the first time in 28 years.