Haaland leads historic turnaround and qualifies Norway for the 2026 World Cup with 16 goals in the Qualifiers

The Norwegian team guaranteed a direct place in the 2026 World Cup by beating Italy 4-1, in Milan, on Sunday (16). Erling Haaland scored two goals in the decisive match, ending the European Qualifiers as top scorer with 16 goals. The game took place at the San Siro, in the 10th round of Group I, and marked Norway’s return to the World Cup after 28 years.

The initial score favored the Italians, with a goal from Pio Esposito in the 10th minute of the first half. The Norwegian reaction came in the second half, with Antonio Nusa equalizing in the 18th minute. Haaland turned the game around in the 33rd minute and doubled the score a minute later, while Jørgen Strand Larsen closed the scoring in stoppage time.

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Norway’s campaign was impeccable, with 100% success in eight games and 24 points won. Italy, with 18 points, finished second and now faces the play-offs in March 2026.

Finally! 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/bPsbyBC4fB

— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) November 16, 2025

Milan match details

Italy pressed early and opened the scoring with Esposito, after scoring with Mateo Retegui and Federico Dimarco. The Norwegian defense, led by Nyland, held out until halftime.

After the break, Norway adjusted their marking and explored quick counterattacks. Nusa finished from outside the box for the equalizer, changing the momentum of the match.a.

Haaland, positioned as a reference in attack, received a cross from Oscar Bobb for the second goal and completed a pass from Sander Thorsby in the third.

Larsen sealed the victory with a left shot after dribbling past the Italian defense in the 93rd minute.

Haaland’s performance in the Qualifiers

Erling Haaland averaged two goals per game in the eight matches played. His goals were decisive in victories against Estonia, Moldova and other group opponents.

The Norwegian equaled the record of Robert Lewandowski, who scored 16 goals in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Lewandowski reached the mark for Poland in European qualifying.

In addition to the goals, Haaland contributed with assists and physical presence, forcing defensive errors from his rivals.

The isolated artillery reinforces the Manchester City player’s protagonism in the national team.

Situation in Italy after the setback

The Azzurri would need a nine-goal victory to overtake Norway, but the result worsened their uneven campaign. Gennaro Gattuso, the team’s coach, lamented the defensive failures in the second half.

The Italian team will compete in the European playoffs, with 16 teams fighting for four places. The draw takes place on November 20, in Zurich, with Italy in Pot 1 and in charge of the decisions.

The clashes are scheduled for March 26 to 31, 2026.The absence in World Cups since 2014 increases the pressure on the squad.

• Main reinforcements in the playoff: players like Dimarco and Retegui must be kept.
• Possible opponents: teams from lower pots, such as Asia or Africa.
• Recent history: Italy fell in the play-offs for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Norway’s undefeated campaign in the group

The Scandinavian team won all of their Group I games, scoring 37 goals in total. The attack, led by Haaland and Alexander Sørloth, exploited the weaknesses of smaller rivals.

Defensively, the team conceded just seven goals in eight matches. Coach Ståle Solbakken prioritized quick transitions, suited to Haaland’s style.

• Key wins: 3-0 over Italy in June, 4-1 against Estonia in November.
• Possession statistics: average of 55% in away games.
• Featured players: Nusa with four goals, Bobb with decisive assists.

This consistency positions Norway as one of the surprises of the European Qualifiers.

Haaland’s post-match statements

The striker celebrated classification as the “craziest result” of the campaign. He highlighted the team’s unpredictability on the opposing field.

Haaland mentioned an interaction with an Italian defender during the equalizer, which served as motivation for his subsequent goals. The comment was made at a press conference after the match.

The player expressed pride in Norway’s current generation, comparing it to that of 1998, the last qualification for the World Cup.

Historical context of Norwegian classification

Norway will compete in its fifth World Cup, having participated in 1938, 1994 and 1998. In 1994, in the United States, it advanced to the round of 16.

The return after 28 years coincides with the peak of Haaland, aged 25. The team has talents such as Martin Ødegaard, from Arsenal, in midfield.

The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada, will have 48 teams, expanding opportunities for newcomers.

The perfect campaign raises expectations for the tournament, with a focus on a balanced group in the December draw.