A commanding 3-0 victory over four-time world champions Italy in their World Cup qualifier on Friday has ignited fervent hope across Norway that the nation’s 26-year absence from football’s biggest tournament may be coming to an end.
Goals from Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa, and Erling Haaland secured a dominant win in Oslo, marking a significant step towards qualification for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The result has resonated deeply with Norwegian supporters, who have endured numerous near misses and qualification heartbreaks since the team’s last major tournament appearance at the European Championship in 2000. Their last World Cup was in 1998.
This victory places Norway firmly in control of their qualifying group. They sit in pole position in Group I with a perfect record of nine points from three matches and a goal surplus of 10. The comprehensive performance against a major footballing power has shifted belief both inside and outside the squad.
“I am 100% sure,” former Norway coach Åge Hareide told newspaper VG when asked if the team would qualify for the World Cup.
Statistical analysis supports this optimistic outlook. The “Football Meets Data” platform currently gives Norway a 77% chance of winning the group and securing direct qualification.
Star striker Erling Haaland, who scored against Italy, shared this confidence. “We are too good not to play in championships. I will play both the World Cup and the European Championship. Not to put pressure on myself but I will,” he told Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
Despite the growing national excitement, current manager Ståle Solbakken remains cautious, seeking to temper expectations. “It is a coach’s misfortune that I have to concentrate on the next match, so you can enjoy yourselves and ask those questions,” Solbakken told reporters after Friday’s game. “I would have liked to say that it was 100% certain but I can’t.”
The performance against Italy, however, has given Norwegian fans tangible reason to believe their quarter-century wait for a return to the global stage is finally within reach.
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