Norway are on the verge of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 4-1 victory over Estonia at Ullevaal Stadion, marking their 10th win in 11 games. The win leaves them just one step away from returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

The task was straightforward: a win would almost guarantee qualification, with only an extraordinarily heavy defeat against Italy in their final qualifier standing in the way.

Manager Ståle Solbakken found himself fielding questions more about the off-field controversy surrounding Andreas Schjelderup than Norway’s looming achievement. On the pitch, Norway struggled to break down the resolute Estonian defense in the first half. Both sides managed just a single shot on target before the break, with Rauno Sappinen’s attempt saved by Ørjan Nyland standing out.

Antonio Nusa posed some danger down the left, but even star striker Erling Haaland was limited to a harmless header easily held by Estonia keeper Karl Hein.

Any fears that qualification would hinge on the Italy clash were quickly dispelled early in the second half. In a six-minute blitz:

Alexander Sørloth opened the scoring with a header from Sander Berge’s cross.

Just under two minutes later, Sørloth scored again from a similar set-piece.

Haaland then got in on the act, nodding home a goal almost identical to Sørloth’s second.

He added a fourth, volleying in after David Møller Wolfe flicked the ball toward the back post.

The goals marked Haaland’s 13th and 14th of the qualification campaign. Estonia found a small consolation through Robi Saarma, who scored his first-ever international goal.

Schjelderup finally entered the match with around 20 minutes remaining, but with the game already decided, his introduction had little impact. Norway spent the remainder of the match managing the clock, ensuring the win was never in doubt.

With the full-time whistle, celebrations erupted. Norway can now look forward to showcasing their talent on football’s biggest stage next year. Their spot will be mathematically confirmed before facing Italy if the Azzurri fail to beat Moldova later on Wednesday; otherwise, it will be finalized in Sunday’s clash at the San Siro.

For Estonia, the campaign ends with four points and just one win from eight games, leaving them further from a maiden World Cup appearance than ever.