Erling Haaland’s brace leads Norway to historic 4–1 win over Italy, securing ticket to 2026 World Cup
Erling Haaland led the Norway national team to a dominant 4–1 victory over Italy at San Siro in the final Matchday of the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With a brace, Haaland clinched a spot in his first World Cup, as Norway returns to the tournament after 28 years.
Norway wrapped up a historic qualifying run, winning all eight games and finishing with a +32 goal difference. Haaland continued his sensational scoring form as well, ending the campaign atop the scoring chart with 16 goals.
Italy, meanwhile, secured second place in Group I and earned a berth in the playoffs, with opponents to be drawn on December 5. For the third straight cycle, the Azzurri will have to wait until the March international break to try to book a spot in a tournament they have missed in each of the last two editions.