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Haaland's Norway thump sorry Italy to reach first World Cup since 1998

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Norway's captain Erling Braut Haaland and Julian Ryerson celebrates their victory at the end of the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifier vs Italy at the San Siro Stadium, in Milan, on November 16, 2025. [Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP]

Norway qualified for their first World Cup since 1998 after Erling Haaland struck again in a 4-1 thumping of Italy on Sunday which sealed a spot in next summer's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland scored the decisive brace in the space of seconds at a soaking San Siro for Norway, who completed Group I with a perfect 24 points from their eight qualifying matches.

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