Norway vs Estonia World Cup Qualifiers Head-to-Head and Stats Analysis
Norway took a significant step toward qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with a decisive victory over Estonia. This match marked Norway’s seventh consecutive win in the qualifiers, establishing them at the top of Group I. Currently, they hold a six-point lead over Italy, along with a superior goal difference.
Match Highlights
The game was tightly contested initially, with Norway struggling to convert opportunities in the first half. However, Alexander Sorloth broke the deadlock early in the second half. He scored two goals within minutes, both coming from headers.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland also made his mark, scoring twice. His first goal came from a cross delivered by Julian Ryerson, and he followed up with a second goal just seven minutes later. Estonia’s Robi Saarma managed to pull one back with a well-driven shot, but it proved to be merely a consolation.
Current Group I Standings
| Position | Team | Matches Played | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 7 | 21 | +19 |
| 2 | Italy | 6 | 15 | +1 |
| 3 | Estonia | 7 | 0 | -20 |
Norway is now on the brink of their first World Cup appearance since 1998. A victory or draw from Italy against Moldova in their upcoming match will confirm Norway’s qualification.
Future Prospects
The upcoming fixtures will be crucial. Even if Italy secures a win, their inability to surpass Norway’s goal difference makes Norway’s position strong. With only one match left in the qualifiers, the team is optimistic about ending their long wait for World Cup football.
