Haaland Fires Norway to 4–1 Win, Ends 28-Year WC Wait

Erling Haaland delivered a masterclass in Rome as Norway defeated Italy 4–1 to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a 28-year absence from the tournament. The victory completed a flawless qualifying campaign for Norway and forced Italy into yet another playoff battle.

Italy entered the match needing a remarkable nine-goal win to top the group, but despite an early spark, the four-time world champions fell six points behind Norway and failed to qualify directly for the third time in a row.

Italy Start Strong, but Norway Hold Their Ground

Francesco Pio Esposito put Italy ahead in the 11th minute, capitalising on sustained pressure and early dominance. Italy controlled the pace of the game throughout the first half, but despite their possession and tempo, they were unable to extend the lead before the break.

Norway absorbed the pressure and regrouped, showing more organisation and attacking ambition in the second half.

Norway’s Comeback Sparks a Historic Night

The turning point came in the 63rd minute when Antonio Nusa fired in the equaliser, shifting momentum firmly in Norway’s favour. The visitors exploited Italy’s increasingly fatigued defence, finding gaps that had not been available earlier in the match.

Haaland then took full command of the contest. The striker scored twice—once in the 78th minute and again in the 79th—taking his tally to 16 goals in the qualification campaign and effectively ending Italy’s hopes of a recovery.

Norway sealed the emphatic win in stoppage time as Jørgen Strand Larsen added a fourth, sparking celebrations that marked the nation’s long-awaited return to world football’s biggest stage.

England and Portugal Also Qualify

Elsewhere, England and Portugal secured their spots at the 2026 World Cup.

• England defeated Albania, with Harry Kane scoring twice in the second half to maintain a perfect defensive record—becoming the first team to keep clean sheets in all qualifying matches.

• Portugal demolished Armenia 9–1, with hat-tricks from Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves. Playing without Cristiano Ronaldo due to suspension, Portugal also saw goals from Renato Veiga, Gonçalo Ramos and Francisco Conceição.