Milan : Norway booked its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after dismantling Italy 4–1 at the San Siro, ending a 28-year absence from football’s biggest stage. The victory capped an impeccable qualifying run of eight straight wins, placing the Norwegians six points ahead of the four-time world champions.
Italy entered the decisive fixture needing a remarkable nine-goal triumph to overturn Norway’s commanding goal difference. The home side started with urgency, and Francesco Pio Esposito’s close-range finish in the 10th minute rewarded their early pressure. The Italians dominated much of the opening half, carving out multiple opportunities, while Norway offered only a brief threat through Antonio Nusa.
Everything changed after halftime. Nusa sparked the Norwegian resurgence in the 63rd minute, drilling a composed left-footed shot into the corner. From that point on, Norway took full control, exposing Italy’s vulnerabilities at the back.
Erling Haaland struck in the 78th minute after being inexplicably unmarked, guiding in a crisp volley. Just moments later, he doubled his tally, pushing his qualifying total to an astounding 16 goals. Jørgen Strand Larsen rounded off the rout in stoppage time, stamping Norway’s authority on the contest and reinforcing their credentials ahead of next year’s World Cup.
With direct qualification slipping away once again, Italy must battle through the playoffs. Norway, meanwhile, celebrated a landmark triumph that signals their emergence as a formidable contender on the global stage.
