Historic Achievement: Haaland Leads Norway to First World Cup Since 28 Years at Italy's Expense

The prodigious striker Erling Haaland led his country, Norway, to achieve a historic milestone by returning to the 2026 World Cup for the first time in 28 years, following a convincing 4-1 victory over Italy on their home ground late Sunday, concluding the European Qualifiers (Group 9).

Match and Qualification Details

The match, held at the "San Siro" stadium in Milan, saw a major turnaround in the second half. The Italian team failed to maintain their early lead, scored by Francesco Esposito in the 11th minute.

Norway's response was a decisive four-goal haul:

• Equalizer: Antonio Nusa in the 63rd minute.

• Haaland's Crucial Brace: Erling Haaland scored two consecutive, rapid goals in the 78th and 79th minutes.

• Fourth Goal: Substitute Jørgen Strand Larsen completed the 4-1 scoreline with a goal in the 93rd minute.

The Norwegian national team topped Group 9 with a perfect record of 24 points from eight victories, scoring 37 goals and conceding only 5.

Italy's Fate and the European Playoffs

In contrast, the Italian national team remained in second place with 18 points (six wins and two losses). The European champions will now join Ukraine, Ireland, Albania, and the Czech Republic in the qualification playoffs scheduled for next March to determine the remaining spots in the World Cup.