Haaland scores 8 goals in 2 matches; Norway set to qualify for the World Cup next month at the earliest, featuring star-studded lineup and key players from the top five leagues.

Led by superstars and emerging young players, Norway’s national squad is poised to secure a spot in the 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup as soon as next month. During this round of European World Cup qualifiers, Norway crushed Israel 5-0 on home soil, with Manchester City forward Haaland achieving back-to-back hat-tricks, scoring 8 goals in 2 games, which has greatly diminished the competitive weight of goals in the European qualifiers.

After this round of qualifiers, Norway has played one more game than Italy but leads by 6 points. Since Norway has a bye in the second October international matchday, the Norwegian Football Federation arranged a friendly against New Zealand. Norway’s next qualifier will be held at 1 AM Beijing time on November 14, hosting Estonia, who have only 3 points from 6 matches. A victory in this game will secure Norway’s top spot in Group I of the European qualifiers and direct qualification for the 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup.

Norway’s squad, capable of holding their own against Italy, is packed with stars, with main players all competing in the top five European leagues. Norway has eight players valued at 20 million euros or more, includingManchester City striker Haaland and Bø, Arsenal captain Ødegaard, Wolves forward Larsen, Leipzig striker Nusa, Fulham defensive midfielder Sander Berge, Atlético Madrid forward Sørloth, and Dortmund right-back Lauritsen.Norway has an abundance of options at center forward, with Haaland, Larsen, and Sørloth all towering over 1.9 meters. Interestingly, despite their tall and strong stature, Norway plays possession-based ground football, but they possess exceptional aerial ability on set pieces.

Fans born in the 1980s surely remember the 1998 France World Cup when Norway beat Brazil 2-1 in the group stage but were eliminated in the Round of 16. That was Norway’s most recent World Cup appearance. Now, Norway is on the verge of returning to the World Cup in 2026, potentially qualifying as soon as next month. Let’s wait and see!