Norway are on the verge of securing their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a convincing 4-1 victory over Estonia in Oslo, a result that all but guarantees top spot in Group I ahead of Italy. With a goal difference of +29 and a perfect record of seven wins from seven, only mathematical confirmation now separates Ståle Solbakken’s side from their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
At the Ullevaal Stadion, Norway controlled proceedings from the start, dictating possession and tempo against an Estonian side that struggled to contain their attacking power. The hosts came closest to scoring in the first half when Oscar Bobb struck the crossbar just before the interval, but the breakthrough arrived soon after the restart.
Norway turned on the style in the second half, scoring three times in quick succession. Alexander Sørloth headed home twice between the 50th and 52nd minutes to open the floodgates, before Erling Haaland made it 3-0 with another header just four minutes later. The Manchester City striker then added a second in the 62nd minute with a clinical right-footed volley to complete the rout.
Estonia pulled one back through Markus Saarma in the 65th minute, but the visitors never threatened to alter the outcome as Norway comfortably saw out the game to record their seventh straight victory.
With 21 points and a dominant goal difference, Norway are effectively assured of qualification even before their final fixture — a potential formality against Italy in Milan. The result also marks another milestone for Haaland, who continues to lead by example for a Norwegian side that looks set to return to the biggest stage in world football after nearly three decades.
