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Norway FC secured an 11-1 victory over Moldova in Oslo to strengthen their position at the top of Group I in World Cup qualifying. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland scored five goals and provided two assists, while captain Martin Ødegaard and substitute Thelo Aasgaard were also decisive.
This result leaves Norway six points ahead of Italy and puts them on course to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998, a long-awaited return for supporters of Norwegian football.
Haaland Drives Norway FC Forward
Haaland dominated the match from the outset:
- Assisted Felix Horn Myhre for the opener in the 6th minute.
- Scored a hat-trick in the first 32 minutes.
- Added two more goals in the second half.
- Has now scored 48 goals in 45 international appearances.
Ødegaard added one goal before half-time, while Aasgaard came off the bench to score four. Moldova’s only strike came via a Leo Østigård own goal.
Norway FC in Group I
Norway’s margin of victory equalled the record for the biggest win in a European World Cup qualifier, alongside Macedonia’s 11-1 win over Liechtenstein in 1996.
Group I standings after five matches:
| Team | Played | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norway FC | 5 | 15 | 100% record, group leaders |
| Italy | 5 | 9 | Six points adrift |
| Moldova | 5 | 3 | Heavy defeat in Oslo |
Only group winners qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Runners-up face play-offs. Norway’s away fixture against Italy on 16 November is likely to be decisive.
What’s Next for Norway FC?
Manager Ståle Solbakken’s team face Israel and Estonia before travelling to Italy. With five wins from five, qualification is within reach, but the final fixtures will decide whether Norway can confirm their place without the play-offs.
