【2026 World Cup European Qualifiers】Norway Defeats Italy, Qualifies for the First Time Since 1998

(Milan, Nov 17) Norway defeated Italy 4–1 in the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing their ticket to the tournament to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This marks Norway’s first World Cup qualification since 1998.

According to AFP, Erling Haaland netted twice within seconds on a rain-soaked San Siro pitch, effectively sealing the victory for Norway.

Norway completed the Group I qualifiers with a perfect record — 8 wins from 8 matches, finishing with 24 points to qualify in dominant fashion.

Italy, on the other hand, now face an almost impossible task: they must defeat Norway by at least nine goals in their remaining match to qualify directly for next year’s finals in North America.

Remarkably, Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was part of Norway’s squad during their last World Cup appearance in 1998 — a tournament ultimately won by Zinedine Zidane’s France.

Representing Manchester City, Haaland has been in phenomenal form, scoring 16 goals in this qualifying campaign and averaging more than one goal per match across club and country this season. In this match, he struck in the 78th and 79th minutes to extend Norway’s lead.

Italy finished six points behind Norway and will head to the playoffs in March. Under coach Ståle Solbakken, Italy have suffered two heavy defeats to Norway, drawing boos from their home supporters after the match.

Italy — a nation with four World Cup titles — has already missed the past two World Cups, having been eliminated in the playoffs by Sweden and later by North Macedonia, the latter occurring less than a year after winning the 2021 European Championship.