Erling Haaland Brace Helps Norway Defeat Italy 4-1, Qualify For FIFA World Cup 2026

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Italy suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat at home to Norway in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on November 16. Francesco Pio Esposito gave Italy an early lead in the 11th minute, but Norway responded through Antonio Nusa in the 63rd minute. Erling Haaland then turned the game on its head, scoring twice in quick succession in the 78th and 79th minutes, before Jørgen Strand Larsen added a late goal in stoppage time. The comprehensive win secured Norway’s first World Cup qualification since 1998, leaving Italy to head into the UEFA play-offs as their campaign ended in disappointment.

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World Cup Qualifier Soccer Match: Italy vs Norway Erling Haaland, Stale Solbakken
Norway's Erling Haaland, right, and head coach Stale Solbakken celebrate after the 2026 World Cup Group I qualifier soccer match between Italy and Norway in Milan, Italy. | Photo: AP/Luca Bruno
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FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Italy vs Norway
Norway's team members celebrate after Jorgen Strand Larsen scored his side's fourth goal during the 2026 World Cup Group I qualifier soccer match between Italy and Norway in Milan, Italy. | Photo: AP/Luca Bruno
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World Cup Qualifier Soccer Match: Norway vs Italy Julian Ryerson
Norway's Julian Ryerson attends the 2026 World Cup Group I qualifier soccer match between Italy and Norway in Milan, Italy. | Photo: AP/Luca Bruno
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FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Norway vs Italy Pio Esposito
Italy's Pio Esposito controls the ball during the 2026 World Cup Group I qualifier soccer match between Italy and Norway in Milan, Italy. | Photo: AP/Luca Bruno
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FIFA World Cup Qualifier Soccer Match: Italy vs Norway Erling Haaland
Norway's Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the 2026 World Cup Group I qualifier soccer match between Italy and Norway in Milan, Italy. | Photo: AP/Luca Bruno
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FIFA World Cup Qualifier Soccer Match: Norway vs Italy
Norway's Erling Haaland, centre, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal during the 2026 World Cup Group I qualifier soccer match between Italy and Norway in Milan, Italy. | Photo: AP/Luca Bruno
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FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Italy vs Norway Antonio Nusa
Norway's Antonio Nusa, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's opening goal during the 2026 World Cup Group I qualifier soccer match between Italy and Norway in Milan, Italy. | Photo: AP/Luca Bruno
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FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Norway vs Italy
Norway's Alexander Sorloth, centre left, and Italy's Alessandro Bastoni, centre right, challenge for the ball during the 2026 World Cup Group I qualifier soccer match between Italy and Norway in Milan, Italy. | Photo: AP/Luca Bruno
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Italy Norway WCup Soccer
Norway's Erling Haaland, centre left, and Italy's Davide Frattesi, right, challenge for the ball during the 2026 World Cup Group I qualifier soccer match between Italy and Norway in Milan, Italy. | Photo: AP/Luca Bruno
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Norway Italy WCup Soccer
Italy's Pio Esposito, left, scores the opening goal during the 2026 World Cup Group I qualifier soccer match between Italy and Norway in Milan, Italy. | Photo; AP/Luca Bruno

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