Milan, Italy – In a stunning turn of events at the San Siro, Norway dismantled Italy with a 4-1 victory, securing their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and ending a 28-year absence from the tournament. Erling Haaland led the charge with a decisive brace, propelling his nation to its first World Cup appearance since 1998.

The match began with Italy taking an early lead in the 11th minute, Francesco Pio Esposito converting a cross from Federico Dimarco. Italy dominated the first half, but Norway emerged a different team after the break. Antonio Nusa leveled the score in the 63rd minute with a stunning strike.

Haaland then seized control, scoring two goals in quick succession in the 78th and 79th minutes. His first goal, a volley from an Oscar Bobb pass, put Norway ahead. A minute later, he added another, bringing his qualifying campaign total to 16 goals. Jorgen Strand Larsen sealed the victory with a fourth goal in stoppage time.

With this victory, Norway completed their Group I campaign with a perfect record of eight wins. Their journey to the World Cup has been record-breaking, scoring 37 goals and conceding only five. Haaland's 16 goals equaled Robert Lewandowski's record for goals in a European qualifying campaign.

"The night belonged to Erling Haaland, who delivered a decisive brace and led his country to break a cycle of frustration that lasted far too long," beIN SPORTS reports.

Italy, the four-time World Cup winners, now face the play-offs for the third consecutive time, after finishing second in Group I, six points behind Norway. The defeat was met with whistles from the home crowd at San Siro. Italy's coach, Gennaro Gattuso, who had won all his games in charge before this match, expressed his disappointment.

Norway's qualification marks a significant moment for the nation. They had a golden age in the late 1930s, including a third-place finish at the 1936 Summer Olympics. They have appeared in three previous World Cups, with their best performance being reaching the Round of 16 in 1938 and 1998.

This Norwegian team, led by Haaland and featuring talents like Martin Odegaard and Alexander Sorloth, is considered a "golden generation". Their strong midfield and defense, combined with Haaland's scoring ability, make them a potential dark horse in the 2026 World Cup.

"For many they will be a dark horse at the World Cup next summer as they are tough to beat and have Haaland ready to punish any mistakes. Fact: nobody will want to play Norway next summer," NBC Sports wrote.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will be Norway's fourth appearance in the tournament.