### Norway's Historic World Cup Qualification: A 28-Year Wait Ends Norway's national football team, led by star striker Erling Haaland, has made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their first appearance in the tournament since 1998. This achievement was secured with a decisive 4-1 victory over Italy in Milan, a match that not only showcased Norway's dominance but also condemned Italy to the playoffs for the third consecutive time. Haaland's remarkable performance, scoring two goals in quick succession, solidified his status as a key player in Norway's successful qualifying campaign, where he netted a total of 16 goals, the highest in Europe during this cycle. ### Breakdown of Norway's Qualification Journey 1. **Match Overview**: - Norway defeated Italy 4-1 in their final qualifying match. - The victory ensured Norway finished the qualifying group with a perfect record of 24 points from 8 matches. - Italy, on the other hand, will have to compete in the playoffs after finishing with 18 points. 2. **Key Player Performance**: - Erling Haaland scored twice in the match, bringing his total to 16 goals in the qualifying rounds. - His contributions were pivotal in Norway's success, as he consistently delivered under pressure. 3. **Historical Context**: - This marks Norway's first World Cup qualification in 28 years, with their last appearance being in 1998. - The match against Italy was particularly significant as it highlighted Norway's resurgence in international football. 4. **Coaching and Team Dynamics**: - Under the guidance of coach Stale Solbakken, Norway has developed a strong team with a mix of young talent and experienced players. - The team's performance has been characterized by resilience and tactical discipline, particularly in crucial matches. ### Supporting Evidence of Norway's Success - **Match Statistics**: - Norway's final qualifying match against Italy ended with a score of 4-1. - Haaland's two goals came in the 78th and 79th minutes, showcasing his ability to perform in critical moments. - Norway's overall qualifying record: 8 matches, 8 wins, 24 points, 16 goals scored by Haaland. - **Comparative Performance**: - Italy's failure to qualify directly for the World Cup, despite being a historically strong team, emphasizes Norway's achievement. - Norway's qualification contrasts sharply with Italy's recent struggles, having missed the last two World Cups. ### Conclusion: A New Era for Norwegian Football **Norway's qualification for the 2026 World Cup is a landmark achievement that signals a new era for the national team.** 1. **Historic Achievement**: Norway has ended a 28-year absence from the World Cup, showcasing their growth in international football. 2. **Key Contributions**: Erling Haaland's exceptional scoring ability has been central to Norway's success, making him a player to watch in the upcoming tournament. 3. **Future Prospects**: With a perfect qualifying record and a strong team dynamic, Norway is poised to be a competitive force in the World Cup, potentially emerging as dark horses in the tournament. This historic qualification not only highlights the talent within the Norwegian squad but also sets the stage for exciting prospects in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/world-cup-2026-historic-qualification-080000698.html][https://sports.yahoo.com/article/heroic-haaland-fires-norway-2026-090000915.html][https://www.rediff.com/sports/report/haalands-legacy-grows-as-norway-dare-to-dream-big/20251117.htm].