A commanding 3-0 victory over four-time world champions Italy in their World Cup qualifier on Friday has ignited fervent hope across Norway that the nation\u2019s 26-year absence from football\u2019s biggest tournament may be coming to an end.<\/p>\n
Goals from Alexander S\u00f8rloth, Antonio Nusa, and Erling Haaland secured a dominant win in Oslo, marking a significant step towards qualification for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.<\/p>\n
The result has resonated deeply with Norwegian supporters, who have endured numerous near misses and qualification heartbreaks since the team\u2019s last major tournament appearance at the European Championship in 2000. Their last World Cup was in 1998.<\/p>\n
This victory places Norway firmly in control of their qualifying group. They sit in pole position in Group I with a perfect record of nine points from three matches and a goal surplus of 10. The comprehensive performance against a major footballing power has shifted belief both inside and outside the squad.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI am 100% sure,\u201d former Norway coach \u00c5ge Hareide told newspaper VG when asked if the team would qualify for the World Cup.<\/p>\n
Statistical analysis supports this optimistic outlook. The \u201cFootball Meets Data\u201d platform currently gives Norway a 77% chance of winning the group and securing direct qualification.<\/p>\n
Star striker Erling Haaland, who scored against Italy, shared this confidence. \u201cWe are too good not to play in championships. I will play both the World Cup and the European Championship. Not to put pressure on myself but I will,\u201d he told Norwegian broadcaster NRK.<\/p>\n
Despite the growing national excitement, current manager St\u00e5le Solbakken remains cautious, seeking to temper expectations. \u201cIt is a coach\u2019s misfortune that I have to concentrate on the next match, so you can enjoy yourselves and ask those questions,\u201d Solbakken told reporters after Friday\u2019s game. \u201cI would have liked to say that it was 100% certain but I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
The performance against Italy, however, has given Norwegian fans tangible reason to believe their quarter-century wait for a return to the global stage is finally within reach.<\/p>\n
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