Norway clinched automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 4–1 win over Italy in their final Group I qualifier at San Siro. The victory marked a perfect 8-0 campaign, leaving Italy six points adrift and consigning the four-time world champions to the playoff route.
Italy opened the scoring early through Francesco Pio Esposito, raising hopes of a stunning home turnaround. But Norway flipped the script in the second half: Antonio Nusa equalized in the 63rd minute, and then Erling Haaland struck twice in quick succession (78’ and 79’) to put in command. A stoppage-time goal from Jørgen Strand Larsen sealed the emphatic win.
Haaland’s contribution was huge — with his brace, he ended the qualifying campaign with 16 goals. Captain Martin Ødegaard described the moment as “unreal,” reflecting on a long path to redemption after years of disappointment.
For Italy, it’s a harsh blow: they needed a nine-goal win to overtake Norway on goal difference — a target that proved out of reach. Their finish means they’ll now enter the UEFA playoffs to try to secure a place at the tournament.
The result ends Norway’s 27-year wait for a World Cup return, while Italy faces the uncertainty of knockout qualification yet again.
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