Haaland's Norway thump Italy to reach first World Cup since 1998
Norway qualified for their first World Cup since 1998 after Erling Haaland struck again in a 4-1 thumping of Italy on Sunday which sealed a spot in next summer's finals..
✨ Key Highlights
Norway secured their first World Cup qualification since 1998 by defeating Italy 4-1, with star striker Erling Haaland scoring a decisive brace. This victory sends Norway to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Erling Haaland scored two goals, bringing his qualifying tally to an impressive 16 goals.
- Norway finished Group I with a perfect 24 points from eight qualifying matches.
- Italy will now compete in the play-offs in March after finishing six points behind Norway.
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England and Norway Qualify for 2026 World Cup; DR Congo Advances in Qualifiers - November 2025
England concluded a flawless 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory against Albania, winning every qualifier without conceding a goal. Norway also qualified for their first FIFA World Cup since 1998 after defeating Italy 4-1, with star striker Erling Haaland scoring a brace at San Siro Stadium. Both teams will compete in the 2026 tournament held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In another qualifier, the Democratic Republic of Congo kept their World Cup dream alive by defeating Nigeria in a penalty shootout. The match in Rabat, Morocco, ended 1-1 after extra time, with DR Congo winning the shootout 4-3.
