Norway have qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals, achieving this milestone for the first time, with a contingent of Italy-based players proving instrumental to the 2026 campaign. While Erling Haaland has dominated headlines with seven goals, just one fewer than France‘s Kylian Mbappé, the Manchester City striker has received crucial support from defenders and midfielders plying their trade in Serie A.
Four players from Italy’s top flight feature in the squad, complemented by Morten Thorsby, who dropped to Serie B with Cremonese last season. This Italian connection has provided defensive solidity and unexpected goal contributions throughout the tournament.
Defensive Reliability and Goal Threat
Torbjorn Heggem has emerged as a defensive mainstay for Bologna, featuring in every match except the encounter against France. The centre-back has impressed with his discipline, avoiding yellow cards despite the physical demands of his position.
Genoa’s Leo Ostigard has combined defensive duties with attacking output, scoring against Iraq in the opening match to become the first Serie A player to find the net at the 2026 World Cup. The defender has appeared in four matches, including one start against France.
Torino right-back Marcus Pedersen has also hit the scoresheet, netting against Senegal during the group stage. He has accumulated three appearances, two from the start. Meanwhile, Sassuolo’s Kristian Thorstvedt has provided midfield depth with two substitute appearances, and Thorsby entered the fray as a replacement during the third group game against France.
Qualifying Dominance
Norway’s quarter-final appearance follows a commanding qualification campaign that left no room for doubt about their credentials. The side won all ten of their qualifying fixtures, defeating Italy twice in the process. By the time they met the Azzurri in the final round, prevailing 4-1, their goal difference already stood far superior to that of the reigning European champions.
Italy’s familiarity with Norwegian strength has been forged through those difficult qualifying encounters, where Haaland’s finishing and the defensive organisation of the Italy-based contingent proved too much for the Azzurri to handle.
With the quarter-finals looming, Norway will rely on this blend of Haaland’s lethal finishing and the tactical nous of their Serie A professionals to extend their historic run.