In an interview at the end of July, Erling Haaland claimed that Norway had a 0.5% chance of winning the 2026 World Cup. He added: "If we qualify for the World Cup, it would be like another big country won. It will be the biggest party ever. The scenery in Oslo will definitely be great."
And that party is taking place, as Norway officially qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, thanks to resounding victories over Estonia and Italy in the international series in November.
The most recent victory, held at the San Siro, packed with spectators, making an even better impression. Italy took the lead in the first half thanks to a smart finish from Francesco Pio Esposito, but Norway exploded in the second half, overwhelming the home team with a strong attacking style of play. Goals from Antonio Nusa, Jorgen Strand Larsen, and a double from Haaland helped the away team create a spectacular comeback.
It should be noted that Italy is no longer the force of the past, but they have made significant improvements under new coach Gennaro Gattuso. The five members of their EURO 2020 winning squad - Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nicolo Barella, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Bastoni and Manuel Locatelli - all played in the match.
Norway became the second team to have defeated Italy in an official away match by a margin of 3 goals or more. Before that was Sweden, who did this in 1983).
They have also successfully " revenge" Italy after their 16th round defeat at the 1998 World Cup. The final result was not only a victory, but also a step to affirm Norway's position. It can be seen that Haaland is now adjusting his expectations, towards an ambitious summer ahead.
The Manchester City star is leading a talented golden generation, seemingly not afraid of any opponent. All the evidence from the impressive qualifying campaign points to an undeniable truth. Norway deserves to be a strong candidate for the 2026 World Cup championship.
The key to Norway's success is Haaland's presence. The team has won all 8 matches in Group I, scoring a total of 37 goals, of which Haaland contributed 16 goals, equal Robert Lewandowski's record in a qualifying campaign.
The Man City striker has scored 32 goals for club and country this season. His double against Italy has taken his international goals to 55 in just 48 appearances, 22 more than any other Norwegian player in history.
Haaland has scored in nine consecutive appearances for the national team, and eight of his last nine Premier League appearances for City. Norwegian journalist Lars Sivertsen has described Haaland as the country's "greatest player of all time," surpassing iconos such as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, John Arne Riise and Tore Andre Flo. And this is completely deserved.
It is surprising that at the age of 25, Haaland has not even entered his peak. No other team at the 2026 World Cup possesses a harmful weapon like Norway. He is an agile, strong striker, skillful and "unstoppable" to the point of being scary, seemingly never under pressure.
Haaland is also supported by a squad of quality personnel. Atletico Madrid's Alexander Sorloth is the perfect addition to Haaland as a striker, while Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen has emerged as an ideal replacement in attack.
It remains to be seen whether Norway can maintain this form in the US, Canada and Mexico, where temperatures will be very harsh. But if this team passes the group stage peacefully, all strong opponents will have to be wary of them in the knockout round. Haaland has every reason to dare to dream big.
