Portugal qualify after thrashing Armenia 9-1
Result seals top spot above Ireland in Group F
Norway qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a 4-1 win away to Italy in their final group match, condemning the hosts, who have missed out on the last two editions of the tournament, to the playoffs. The group winners will compete at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
Norway ended the qualifying campaign with a perfect record of eight wins, finishing six points ahead of four-times World Cup winners Italy, who will compete in the playoffs for the third consecutive occasion.
Needing a nine-goal win because of Norway’s superior goal difference, the Italians came out full of aggression and made the early breakthrough just after the 10-minute mark, as Francesco Pio Esposito swept home a close-range finish.
