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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 70578, member: 636"]
Norway secured its place at the 2026 World Cup after defeating Italy 4-1 in the final qualifying match, sending the four-time champions to the playoffs for a third straight cycle. The Norwegians finished their campaign with eight consecutive victories, establishing a six-point cushion over the hosts, who needed an improbable nine-goal margin to advance on goal difference.

Francesco Pio Esposito gave Italy an early advantage with a close-range conversion, and the home side controlled much of the opening period. The match shifted dramatically after halftime when Antonio Nusa leveled the contest with a left-footed strike. Erling Haaland then exploited defensive lapses to score twice within two minutes, bringing his qualifying total to 16 goals. Jorgen Strand Larsen added a fourth during stoppage time to complete the emphatic victory.

Italy will face the playoff route for the third consecutive World Cup cycle after missing the previous two tournaments.
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