Norway sent a clear message in their World Cup qualifying group with a stunning 11-1 victory over Moldova at the Ullevaal Stadion. The win provisionally places them six points clear at the top of their group and keeps their hopes of reaching their first World Cup finals of the 21st century very much alive.
The match was a masterclass in attacking football, with the hosts dominating from the first whistle. It took only five minutes for Norway to open the scoring, with Felix Myhre finishing off a beautiful assist from Erling Haaland. Just five minutes later, Haaland scored his first of the night, taking his international tally to 44 goals in 45 games.
Norway’s relentless pressure continued throughout the first half, with goals from Haaland and a late strike from Martin Odegaard making it 5-0 at the break. The second half saw no let-up as Norway continued their demolition.
Haaland went on to score a total of five goals, cementing his position as the top scorer in the 2026 qualifiers. The rest of the goals were scored by Thelonious Aasgaard, who came on as a substitute and scored four goals, and a late own goal from Leo Ostigard that was quickly forgotten.
This dominant performance will undoubtedly boost Norway’s confidence. For Moldova, the loss marks their 10th consecutive away defeat in World Cup qualifiers.
The result puts Norway in a strong position to secure a spot at the World Cup, a tournament they have not participated in since 1998.
