Erling Haaland's stellar performance propelled Norway to a commanding 4-1 victory over Estonia in Oslo on November 13, 2025, bringing them one step closer to securing a spot in the World Cup for the first time since 1998. With a goal difference that far surpasses that of second-placed Italy, Norway is in a strong position to qualify for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year. The win puts Norway in a near-impossible position to miss out, especially if Italy fails to secure a win against Moldova later that day, which would see Norway advance to the playoffs, where Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, has been shockingly eliminated in the past two editions.
The match was a showcase of Haaland's talent, as he scored twice in a six-minute span during the second half, building on Alexander Sørloth's early lead. Haaland's 14 goals in seven group-stage games have contributed to Norway's impressive 33-goal tally, the best in Europe. Born just two years after Norway's last World Cup appearance, Haaland's impact on the team is profound, and his performance against Estonia further cements his status as a key player in Norway's quest for World Cup qualification.
