Norway’s Historic World Cup Journey: Erling Haaland Aims for 2026 FIFA Glory

Norway’s journey towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be historic, especially with Erling Haaland leading the charge. The national team is closing in on securing a spot in the finals as they navigate the UEFA qualifiers.

Norway’s Current Standings

As of now, Norway sits atop Group I of the European qualifiers, having achieved an impressive record of six consecutive victories. This includes a remarkable goal difference of +26, with 29 goals scored and only three conceded. A crucial upcoming match against Estonia on November 13 could solidify their top position in the group.

• Current Group I Performance:
• Wins: 6
• Goals Scored: 29
• Goals Conceded: 3

Key Matches and Players

During the qualifying campaign, Norway’s standout moment was a 3-0 victory over Italy in Oslo in June 2025. Haaland played a pivotal role in that match, contributing significantly with his goal-scoring prowess. He has netted an impressive 12 goals in just six games, which includes five goals in a staggering 11-1 victory over Moldova.

Historical Context: Norway’s World Cup Participation

Norway has a complex history at the FIFA World Cup, having participated in three tournaments to date. Their best performances have culminated in reaching the Round of 16 on two occasions:

• 1938: Knocked out by Italy in the Round of 16
• 1998: Lost to Italy again in the Round of 16 after a group stage progression

In the 1994 World Cup in the United States, Norway experienced a disappointing exit. They finished with four points in Group E, but did not advance due to a tiebreaker system. Haaland’s father, Alfie Haaland, was part of the squad during that tournament.

Summary of Norway’s World Cup History

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Norway is filled with optimism. The emergence of stars like Erling Haaland could propel the national team back to glory.