FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier: Norway passes Estonia and is on the brink of qualification

Alexander Sorloth and Erling Haaland both scored twice as Norway claimed a 4-1 home win over Estonia on Thursday, putting the country on the brink of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Norway has all but secured a place at next year’s tournament in North America as it has a three-point lead over second-placed Italy, who defeated Moldova 2-0 in Group I.

Italy must beat Norway and overturn a 17-goal deficit to leapfrog the Norwegians and clinch the automatic qualification spot.

The visitor denied the hosts the space and rhythm they have exploited so often during this qualifying campaign. Oscar Bobb missed the best chance to give Norway the lead when he hit the woodwork with a low cross just before half-time.

The home crowd, expecting a comfortable lead, made their frustration clear and greeted the whistle with loud boos as the players headed towards the dressing room.

Five minutes after the restart, loud cheers erupted in the stadium after Sander Berge whipped in a cross in front of the penalty area and Sorloth headed in to break the deadlock.

Just two minutes later the roar grew louder as Sorloth headed home a second header.

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From that moment on, Norway was unstoppable. The Estonian defense fell apart and another driven cross found Haaland, who whipped in another header to give Norway a 3-0 lead in the 56th minute.

Haaland added another in the 62nd minute before Robi Saarma pulled one back for Estonia just two minutes later.

When the match was effectively settled after five goals in 14 minutes, the pace dropped sharply as the Norwegian supporters began to celebrate.

As the final whistle blew, red, white and blue confetti flew through the stands as Norwegian fans celebrated the victory, confident that their long wait to participate in a World Cup was finally over.

Published on November 14, 2025