Norway’s Historic 11-1 Victory Signals World Cup Qualification Intent

Dominant Display in World Cup Qualifying

Norway demonstrated their prowess with a commanding performance against Moldova, securing an emphatic 11-1 victory in their European World Cup 2026 qualifier. The match was nothing short of a masterclass, with star striker Erling Haaland leading the charge with five goals.

Team’s Recent Form and Progress

The Norwegian national team has shown remarkable consistency, remaining unbeaten in all but one of their last 11 matches across all competitions since September 2024. They have won their last seven matches, with four victories coming by a margin of three or more goals.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

The team’s recent performances are particularly significant given their historical absence from major tournaments, especially considering the vast amount of talent at their disposal. The squad features world-class players like Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, along with numerous other professionals who compete in Europe’s top five leagues.

World Cup Dreams

Norway’s last World Cup appearance was in 1998, making their current form all the more significant. Their absence from the European Championships has been equally notable, with their last appearance dating back to 2000. However, with their current performances, Norway are beginning to believe that 2026 could mark their return to football’s biggest stage.

Home Ground Advantage

The team’s home matches are played at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway’s largest football stadium with a capacity of 25,572. Owned by the Norwegian Football Federation, this historic venue has been home to the national team since its opening in 1926 and has hosted several significant tournaments, including the UEFA Women’s Euro finals in 1987 and 1997.