The European Championship finals in Belgium and the Netherlands in 2000 were the last time Norway played in a championship. In the context of the World Cup, the drought extends another two years back in time, to France 1998.
But now the Norwegians have something to look forward to.
The national team has qualified for this summer's World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The play-off spot was basically already secured before the final against Italy in Milan, as only a loss by at least nine goals would knock Norway out of the group stage.
The match also started well for the Italians, as Francesco Pio Esposito put the visitors 1-0 up after 11 minutes, but there were no more goals for the home team. Instead, Antonio Nusa equalised 1-1 after just over an hour of play and Erling Braut Haaland scored 2-1 and 3-1 in the 78th and 79th minutes respectively. Substitute Jørgen Strand Larsen scored 4-1 in added time.
Group runner-up Italy will be forced to make their way to the World Cup via a playoff. In the additional qualifying game, they could face Sweden.
Facts: Countries ready for the 2026 World Cup
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A total of 48 national football teams will be allowed to play in the Men's World Cup in the summer of 2026.
Asia (8 direct places): Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan (debutant), South Korea, Uzbekistan (debutant), Qatar, Saudi Arabia.
Africa (9): Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Senegal.
South America (6): Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay.
North and Central America and the Caribbean (6): USA, Mexico, Canada (host nations).
Oceania (1): New Zealand.
Europe (16): England, France, Croatia, Portugal, Norway.
Six national teams from Asia, Africa, South America, Oceania, North and Central America and the Caribbean will compete in a playoff for two World Cup spots in March.
