The Norwegian national team qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998. In their final match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Norway defeated Italy 4-1 to take first place in their group.

This marks Norway's return to the World Cup after 28 years. At its last World Cup, in 1998 in France, the team finished second in a group with Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland, but lost 1-0 to Italy in the 1/8 finals. In the recently completed qualifying round, Norway earned a maximum of 24 points in eight matches, finishing ahead of Italy, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova.

ORIENT