Norway qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in 27 years after defeating Italy 4-1 in their final Group I qualifier. The win allowed Norway to finish top of the group with 24 points and a 37-5 goal difference. Erling Haaland scored twice in the comeback victory.
Norway's national football team ended a 27-year absence from the FIFA World Cup by beating Italy 4-1 in the eighth and final round of Group I qualifiers for the 2026 tournament. The match, played away in Italy, saw the Azzurri take an early lead through Francesco Pio Esposito's precise shot in the 11th minute, holding a minimal advantage until halftime.
Norway mounted a strong second-half comeback, with Nusa equalizing in the 63rd minute. Manchester City star Erling Haaland then scored a rapid brace in the 78th and 79th minutes to put the visitors ahead. Jorgen Larsen sealed the victory with a goal in stoppage time, extending Norway's winning streak to ten matches across all competitions.
The result confirmed Norway's direct qualification, topping Group I with eight wins from eight games, 24 points, and a dominant 37 goals scored against just 5 conceded. Italy, with 18 points and a 21-12 goal difference, finished second and will enter the European playoffs. This marks Norway's return to the World Cup stage since 1998, when they reached the round of 16 before elimination by Italy.
Norway's qualification adds to the growing list of teams securing spots for the expanded 48-team tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.