November 17, 2025 | 03:52 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker and one of world football’s most prolific forwards, said he felt more relieved than anything after leading Norway to their first World Cup berth in 28 years.
The Norwegian national team has secured a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, its first appearance since 1998.
“I'm happy, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's fun,” Haaland said, as quoted by UEFA on Monday, November 17, 2025.
The 2026 tournament will mark Norway’s fourth World Cup appearance, following campaigns in 1938, 1994, and 1998.
The team clinched qualification with a commanding 4-1 win over Italy in their final Group I match at San Siro Stadium in Milan on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
Haaland was central to the victory, scoring twice in the 78th and 79th minutes. Antonio Nusa added Norway’s opener in the 63rd minute, while Jørgen Strand Larsen sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal.
Italy had taken an early lead through Francesco Pio Esposito in the 11th minute before Norway responded with four unanswered goals.
The Manchester City striker has been instrumental throughout the qualifying campaign, netting 16 goals in eight appearances. The 25-year-old said he was proud to contribute decisively to Norway’s return to football’s biggest stage.
“It’s about getting into situations where I can score, and I managed to do that twice today. It feels absolutely crazy. I am proud, and it’s truly fantastic,” he said.
“The fact that we could come here and win 4–1 shows that we are quite unpredictable. It’s good for everyone to see.”
Norway topped Group I in the European qualifiers with a perfect record, collecting 24 points—six clear of second-place Italy. They scored 37 goals and conceded just five.
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