After nearly three decades away from the global stage, Norway secured its ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a stunning 1–4 victory over Italy — a historic triumph that brings the Scandinavian nation back to football’s elite. The night belonged to Erling Haaland, who delivered a decisive brace and led his country to break a cycle of frustration that lasted far too long.

A Long-Delayed Return to the Biggest Stage

Norway hadn’t played a World Cup since France 1998, a tournament that took place before Haaland was even born. That team shocked the world by eliminating Brazil in the group stage and reaching the Round of 16 — the last great Norwegian generation… until now.

Before 1998, Norway had only appeared in two other editions:
USA 1994, where they exited in the group stage, and France 1938, where they were eliminated in the Round of 16.

Qualifying for 2026 becomes just the fourth World Cup in the country’s history, but arguably the most meaningful. It marks the definitive arrival of a generation that had long promised a breakthrough — and finally delivered it.

Haaland, Sørloth and Ødegaard: A New Era Arrives

Norway’s qualifying campaign was immaculate. The team finished undefeated, powered by a dominant attack that produced a staggering +31 goal difference — a margin so comfortable they would have qualified even with a hypothetical loss in Italy.

When the match grew tense, Haaland decided it. He struck twice — in the 78th and 80th minutes — two cold, sharp blows that sealed the win and underscored a qualifying run already shaped by his scoring brilliance. Around him, an aggressive attacking line led by Alexander Sørloth carried much of the weight, while the heartbeat of the midfield remains Martin Ødegaard, absent due to a knee injury but still a central figure in Norway’s resurgence.

This will be the first time Haaland, Sørloth and Ødegaard compete together in a major international tournament — a scenario Norway had dreamt of for years.

Italy Sent Back to the Playoffs Once Again

Norway’s triumph also leaves a headline few imagined years ago: Italy is heading back to the playoffs — for a third consecutive World Cup cycle.
The Azzurri missed Russia 2018, missed Qatar 2022, and now must fight through a playoff again to avoid another disastrous absence. A surreal scenario for a four-time world champion.

Meanwhile, Norway celebrates.
They return to the world spotlight with a generation built to compete — and with a striker who, at 26 years old in 2026, will be stepping into the center of his prime.

A country waited 28 years for this moment.
Today, at last, Norway dreams again.