Norway wins 5-0 against Moldova in World Cup qualifier

Norway began its World Cup qualifying campaign with a strong 5-0 victory over Moldova on March 22, 2025. Erling Haaland played a key role, scoring in the match. Norway has not reached the World Cup since 1998, two years before Haaland was born. The team, which includes Arsenal's Martin Ødegaard, is aiming to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Norway is considered the favorite in Group I, which contains Estonia and Israel. The match started well for Norway. Julian Ryerson scored the first goal just five minutes in. Haaland quickly added the second goal in the 23rd minute. Thelo Aasgaard then made it three goals before Ødegaard assisted Alexander Sørloth for the fourth. Aron Donnum finished the scoring in the second half. Haaland now has an impressive record of 39 goals in 40 matches for Norway since his debut in 2019. Although he has enjoyed success with Manchester City in club competitions, he has yet to lead Norway to a major tournament. He missed several games due to injury in the unsuccessful qualifying rounds for the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship.