Qualifying updates, milestone announcements, friendly match details, and the journey to the 2026 World Cup.
Group I of the UEFA World Cup qualification concluded with Norway as the group leaders. It was an incredible performance from Norway, finishing with a perfect record of eight wins and a remarkable 37 goals scored. By topping a group containing favorites Italy, Norway sent a strong message to their future opponents.
Norway claimed a convincing 3-1 victory over arch-rivals Sweden in a high-intensity Nordic derby friendly. The result capped a strong preparation period and gave Erling Haaland and company renewed confidence ahead of the World Cup.
There was room for improvement for Norway in their friendly against Morocco. Erling Haaland, the star player of Norway was kept quiet by Morocco however, Odegaard salvaged a draw by scored in the 75th minute.
Erling Haaland marked his long-awaited World Cup debut with a brace as Norway swept aside Iraq 4-1 in Boston. Haaland opened the scoring on 29 minutes before adding a second just before half-time, and though Ayman Hussein briefly levelled in between, Norway's quality proved too great. Leo Østigard headed in a third and an Ayman Hussein own goal rounded off a dominant display — Norway's biggest World Cup win since their 1998 group stage.
Norway finished second in Group I to qualify for the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.