World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen praised Norway’s win as the team secured their fourth World Cup appearance, following in the footsteps of Haaland’s father from 1994.
Norway Seal World Cup Spot
Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway crushed Italy 4-1 in their World Cup qualifier on Monday. The victory confirmed Norway’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Haaland has driven Norway’s campaign with remarkable consistency. He has scored 16 goals in eight qualifiers and found the net in every match. His scoring streak makes him the top scorer in the ongoing 2026 qualifying cycle.
After the match, Haaland spoke to TV2. He said, "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's fun."
Haaland has now scored 55 goals in 48 appearances for Norway. Captain Martin Odegaard has also played a key role. He leads the European qualifiers with seven assists.
Carlsen Celebrates Historic Win
The result impressed world No. 1 chess champion Magnus Carlsen. He celebrated Norway’s qualification on X and praised the team’s performance. Norway will now make their fourth World Cup appearance. They previously played in the 1938, 1994 and 1998 tournaments. They also featured in Euro 2000. Haaland’s father, Alf Inge Haaland, represented Norway at the 1994 World Cup.
🇳🇴🇳🇴🇳🇴😮💨
— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) November 17, 2025
Italy Strike First, Norway Respond Strongly
Italy opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Francesco Pio Esposito converted from close range after a quick attacking move. Norway struggled early, but the match shifted after the break. In the 63rd minute, Ahmed Nusa equalised with a clean left-footed shot from inside the box.
Norway then took full control. In the 78th minute, Haaland slipped into space, met a cross and volleyed it into the net. Just a minute later, he scored again to give Norway a two-goal cushion and increase his campaign total to 16. Jorgen Strand Larsen added another goal in stoppage time to seal the 4-1 win.
Portugal Also Qualify in Style
On the same night, Portugal booked their World Cup place with a 9-1 demolition of Armenia in Porto. Fans enjoyed hat-tricks from Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves as Portugal dominated from start to finish.