Norway score eleven and Haaland involved in seven goals

The most eye-catching result of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers on Wednesday came from Oslo, where Norway demolished Moldova 11–1 in a record-breaking performance that left fans in awe and statisticians scrambling to update the books.

Erling Haaland, already one of the most feared strikers in world football, was once again at the center of attention, producing a masterclass that will be remembered for years. The Manchester City forward scored five goals (11’, 36’, 43’, 52’, 83’) and added two assists, directly contributing to seven of Norway’s goals in a game that underlined his status as a once-in-a-generation talent.

Haaland’s dominance was complemented by a strong supporting cast. Myhre opened the scoring in the 6th minute, setting the tone for what would become a night of relentless attacking football. Captain Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal’s midfield maestro, added his name to the scoresheet in first-half stoppage time (45+1’), providing leadership and creativity throughout. Aasgaard capped off the rout with a remarkable four-goal haul of his own (67’, 76’, 78’ pen., 90+1’), showcasing Norway’s depth and attacking firepower beyond their talismanic number nine.

Moldova, overwhelmed from the first whistle, barely had time to regroup between Norway’s waves of attack. Their only goal came in ironic fashion an own goal by Østigård in the 74th minute, occurring just moments after Benfica’s rising talent Andreas Schjelderup had been introduced. It was a night to forget for Moldova but one that highlighted the gulf in class between the two sides.

With five wins from five, Norway sit comfortably atop Group I with 15 points, taking a massive step toward qualification for the expanded 2026 World Cup. Italy and Israel, both on nine points, remain in contention for second place, but Norway’s momentum and Haaland’s form suggest they could dominate the group all the way to the finish line. For Norwegian fans, who have not seen their country at a World Cup since 1998, optimism has rarely been higher.

Elsewhere in Europe, Group K produced another statement result as England brushed aside Serbia 5–0 in Belgrade. The Three Lions, led by Thomas Tuchel, delivered one of their most convincing displays of the campaign. Harry Kane (33’) set the tone with a clinical finish, before Madueke (35’) doubled the lead. Konsa (52’), Guehi (75’), and Rashford (90’ pen.) completed the rout. Serbia’s frustration boiled over late in the match, leaving them with ten men as England cruised. The win not only solidified England’s dominance in the group 15 points from 15 but also silenced critics who had questioned Tuchel’s suitability after earlier unconvincing outings.

Albania, meanwhile, continued to defy expectations. A penalty converted by Asllani was enough for a 1–0 win at home against Latvia, moving them into second place with eight points. While still far behind England, Albania’s resilience keeps their hopes alive in the battle for qualification.

In Paris, drama unfolded as Iceland shocked France with an early lead through Gudjohnsen (21’). The Stade de France fell silent, but Kylian Mbappé stepped up before halftime, calmly slotting home a penalty to restore parity. In the second half, Barcola (62’) scored the decisive goal, sealing a 2–1 French victory. The win was not without complications, however, as Tchouameni was sent off in the 68th minute, leaving France to finish with ten men. The result kept Les Bleus firmly on track, but the scare showed that even the biggest teams can be vulnerable.

In Baku, Azerbaijan played host to Ukraine just a day after Fernando Santos resigned as Portugal’s national team manager. Ukraine, featuring Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, took the lead through Sudakov (51’), the club’s new signing from Shakhtar Donetsk. However, Azerbaijan responded with determination, equalizing through Emin Mahmudov (72’ pen.). The 1–1 draw leaves both teams with work to do, but Ukraine will rue the missed opportunity to take three points.

Group H saw Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Benfica’s Amir Dedić in the lineup, suffer their first loss of the campaign at home to Austria, who won 2–1. The result left both teams tied at the top of the group with 12 points, keeping the race wide open.

In Nicosia, Cyprus and Romania battled to a 2–2 draw, a result that helps neither side significantly but keeps their slim hopes of qualification mathematically alive.

The road to the 2026 World Cup is now firmly underway, with the winners of each of the 12 qualifying groups, along with four additional teams from the European play-off paths, set to secure their place at the tournament. The 23rd edition of the World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will be historic: the first ever with 48 teams and the first to be co-hosted by three nations the United States, Mexico, and Canada all of whom qualify automatically.

For Norway, England, France, and other frontrunners, the message was clear on this matchday: momentum is building, and the path to North America is becoming clearer. For smaller nations like Moldova and Latvia, however, the gap to Europe’s elite looks as wide as ever.