Erling Haaland scored as Norway began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a dominant 5-0 victory over Moldova in Chisinau on Saturday. The win marks a positive start for a Norway side aiming to reach their first World Cup since 1998.
Haaland, along with Arsenal midfielder Martin Ødegaard, leads a talented generation of Norwegian players carrying high expectations for qualification to the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Norway are favorites to win Group I, which also includes Estonia and Israel.
Borussia Dortmund defender Julian Ryerson opened the scoring for Norway just five minutes into the match, assisted by Thelo Aasgaard. Haaland doubled the lead in the 23rd minute, taking his exceptional international scoring record to 39 goals in 40 appearances since his debut in 2019. Aasgaard scored, before Odegaard assisted Alexander Sørloth before the break. Substitute Aron Donnum completed the scoring in the second half.
Haaland has already achieved significant success at club level, winning the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup with Manchester City. However, he has yet to represent Norway at a major international tournament. Injury hampered his contribution to Norway’s unsuccessful 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, and the team also failed to qualify for Euro 2024, finishing third in their group behind Spain and Scotland. The emphatic victory over Moldova provides a strong foundation for Norway’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
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