Norway has officially secured a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a historic return to the tournament after a 27-year absence. The team’s remarkable performance in qualifiers, led by Erling Haaland, has drawn global attention. 12BET Soccer provides a detailed look at Norway’s qualification journey, results, and World Cup prospects.
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Norway World Cup 2026 Qualified: Road to the Tournament
Norway sealed their place at the World Cup after an emphatic 4-1 victory over Italy in the eighth round of Group I. Before the match, Norway had a perfect record of seven wins from seven games, leading the group with 21 points. Italy trailed with 18 points but could have overtaken Norway with a massive win, a scenario that never materialized.
Key Match Highlights
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Italy opened scoring in the 11th minute with a goal from Francesco Pio Espozito.
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Nusa equalized in the 63rd minute, restoring parity.
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Erling Haaland scored twice in the 78th and 79th minutes, securing a commanding lead.
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Jorgen Larsen added the fourth goal during stoppage time, finalizing a 4-1 win.
This victory extended Norway’s winning streak to ten matches across all competitions, dating back to October 2024 against Slovenia in the Nations League.
Norway’s Qualifying Campaign
Norway finished the Group I qualifiers with an outstanding record:
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Matches: 8
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Wins: 8
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Goals scored: 37
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Goals conceded: 5
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Points: 24
This dominant campaign secured Norway first place in Group I, ahead of Italy (18 points), Israel (12), Estonia (4), and Moldova (1). Direct qualification was earned, guaranteeing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 12BET Soccer emphasizes Norway’s balanced squad, strong defense, and attacking efficiency as key factors in their success.
Norway’s World Cup History
Prior to 2026, Norway’s last World Cup appearance was in 1998. The team has twice reached the Round of 16: in 1938 and 1998, both times losing to Italy. This upcoming appearance marks a long-awaited return, with hopes high for a deeper run in the tournament.
European and Global Context
Norway joins a strong field of qualified teams for World Cup 2026:
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Europe: France, Portugal, England, Croatia, Norway
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North & Central America: USA, Canada, Mexico
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Asia: Iran, South Korea, Japan, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Australia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
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Africa: Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Cabo Verde, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana
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South America: Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay
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Oceania: New Zealand
Fans following 12BET Soccer can track Norway’s preparations and fixtures ahead of the tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Conclusion: Norway Sets Sights on World Cup Success
With qualification confirmed, Norway is ready to compete on football’s biggest stage for the first time in nearly three decades. Led by Erling Haaland and a talented squad, Norway aims to leave a lasting mark at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 12BET Soccer will provide updates, news, and expert analysis throughout the tournament.