Norway's national football team is on the brink of securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup, ending a 25-year wait for a major tournament appearance. Their recent 4-1 victory over Estonia in Group I of the qualifiers
has put them in a strong position. Alexander Sorloth and Erling Haaland each scored twice in the second half to seal the win.
Despite Italy's 2-0 win against Moldova, Norway maintains a three-point lead over them with a significant goal difference advantage of 17. For Italy to surpass Norway, they would need an improbable 9-0 victory in their upcoming match at San Siro. This scenario makes Norway's qualification almost certain.
Stale Solbakken, Norway's coach, acknowledged the psychological burden his team faced due to this long absence from major tournaments. Reflecting on their failure to qualify for Euro 2024, he noted that missing out intensified their current campaign's challenges. "It's tough," he admitted, emphasising the responsibility felt by the team.
Solbakken shared his thoughts after Thursday's game, where Norway struggled initially, managing only two shots on target in the first half. "I said to the boys, 'You needed a coach at half-time today,'" he revealed. His words seemed to have inspired the team to perform better in the second half.
Norway's current qualification campaign has been remarkable for its goal-scoring prowess. They have netted 33 goals in seven matches, equalling records set by Belgium and England in previous campaigns. A single goal against Italy would set a new record for scoring within fewer than ten games.
The team's offensive success is notable as only twelve European teams have scored 33 or more goals in a World Cup qualifying cycle before. Most required at least ten matches to reach this tally, highlighting Norway's impressive efficiency.
One step closerpic.twitter.com/8kWnycqkxm
- Fotballandslaget (@nff_landslag) November 13, 2025
Solbakken expressed relief and satisfaction with his team's performance so far. He remains focused on finishing the qualifiers strongly and achieving their goalscoring record outright. The upcoming match against Italy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for further success.
This potential qualification marks Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998 and their first major tournament since Euro 2000. Solbakken participated as a player during those years and now aims to guide his team back onto the international stage as their coach.
