In a historic moment for Norwegian football, Erling Haaland led his team to a 4-1 victory over Italy, securing Norway’s first World Cup berth since 1998. Haaland’s brace, along with goals from Antonio Nusa and Jorgen Strand Larsen, sealed the win in Milan, marking an end to a 27-year wait for the global tournament. Meanwhile, Portugal dominated Armenia with a 9-1 triumph, booking their place in the 2026 World Cup, though Cristiano Ronaldo’s participation remains uncertain due to a potential suspension extension. Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves starred with hat-tricks, while Renato Veiga, Goncalo Ramos, and Francisco Conceicao also contributed to the emphatic victory. Ireland secured a playoff spot with a dramatic 3-2 win over Hungary, thanks to Troy Parrott’s late heroics. France, England, and Ukraine also confirmed their World Cup qualifications, with England completing a flawless qualifying campaign. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be a thrilling spectacle as teams prepare for the global stage.