For a nation that hasn’t graced the biggest stage of international football in over a quarter-century, the dream of a FIFA World Cup 2026 appearance is burning brighter than ever. Thanks in no small part to the prolific form of their talismanic striker, Erling Haaland, Norway’s World Cup qualifying campaign is soaring, with the Scandinavians currently sitting atop their group after a dominant start.
Their latest victory, a hard-fought 1-0 away win against Estonia, further solidified their position in Group I. The decisive goal, scored by none other than Erling Haaland himself, ensured that Norway maintained their perfect record, having won all their qualifiers so far.
A Perfect Start: Topping Group I with Authority
Norway’s performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers has been nothing short of exceptional. They lead Group I with a maximum 12 points from four matches, a remarkable feat that includes a commanding 3-0 victory over European champions Italy. This dominant display against one of football’s traditional powerhouses sent a clear message: Norway means business.
The group standings currently look like this:
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This commanding lead, six points clear of second-placed Israel, puts Norway in an excellent position for direct qualification to the expanded 48-team World Cup.
The Giant Slayer: Italy Humbled in Oslo
The highlight of Norway’s campaign so far was undoubtedly their 3-0 masterclass against Italy at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo on June 6, 2025. This victory marked Norway’s first win against the Azzurri in 25 years in a competitive match, showcasing their incredible progress under manager Ståle Solbakken.
Goals from Alexander Sørloth (14′), Antonio Nusa (34′), and a clinical finish from Erling Haaland (42′) before halftime dismantled the Italian defense. Despite Italy holding more possession, Norway’s clinical counter-attacking and defensive solidity proved decisive, leaving Italy’s manager Luciano Spalletti to admit his side was in a “difficult moment.” This result has put significant pressure on the four-time World Cup winners, who famously missed the last two tournaments.
Haaland’s Relentless Pursuit of History
At the heart of Norway’s resurgence is Erling Haaland. The Manchester City superstar continues to translate his club form onto the international stage, proving himself indispensable to the national team’s aspirations. His latest strike against Estonia was his fourth goal in four World Cup qualifying matches, placing him among the top scorers in the European Qualifiers so far.
Haaland’s predatory instincts, combined with the creative brilliance of captain Martin Ødegaard and the tireless work rate of players like Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa, have given Norway an attacking potency they’ve lacked for decades. His presence alone instills fear in opposing defenses and belief in his teammates.
Breaking the 21st Century Drought: The 1998 Legacy
For many Norwegian fans, the current World Cup campaign evokes memories of a bygone era. The last time Norway participated in a FIFA World Cup was in 1998, in France. Under the guidance of the eccentric Egil “Drillo” Olsen, that squad, featuring cult heroes like Tore André Flo, Henning Berg, and Ronny Johnsen, famously defied expectations, reaching the Round of 16 and even securing a memorable 2-1 victory over Brazil in the group stage.
The current generation, led by the golden duo of Haaland and Ødegaard, carries the hopes of a nation eager to end this 21st-century drought. The prospect of seeing the likes of Haaland gracing the World Cup stage in the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026 is a tantalizing one, promising to reignite the passion for football across Norway.
With their current form and the leadership of their star players, Norway is firmly on course to achieve this historic milestone. The journey is far from over, but the early signs are undeniably promising, and the “Gresshoppene” (The Grasshoppers) are hopping towards football’s grandest stage.
For all the latest updates on Norway’s World Cup qualifying campaign, player news, and group analysis, keep visiting BangbetNews!
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