In a thrilling encounter on March 27, 2026, the Netherlands secured a 2-1 victory over Norway in Amsterdam. The match was notable not only for the scoreline but also for the absence of star striker Erling Haaland, who was rested by Norway’s coach Ståle Solbakken.
The game began with Norway taking an early lead, as Andreas Schjelderup scored the opening goal. However, the Netherlands responded strongly, with Virgil van Dijk equalizing with a powerful header from a corner kick.
In the second half, Tijjani Reijnders netted the winning goal for the Netherlands in the 51st minute, sealing the match at 2-1. This victory is significant for the Dutch team as they continue to build momentum ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Despite the loss, Norway’s performance in the qualifying rounds has been impressive. They qualified for the 2026 World Cup by winning all eight of their qualifying matches, scoring a remarkable total of 37 goals, including an astonishing 11-1 victory over Moldova.
Erling Haaland, who has scored 55 goals in 48 appearances for Norway, was a notable absentee in this match. His 17 goals in 2025 and 16 goals during World Cup qualification highlight his importance to the team. Coach Ståle Solbakken stated, “Haaland would not be involved, instead giving him time to recharge ahead of a busy end to the club season and the World Cup.”
This match marks a pivotal moment for both teams as they prepare for the World Cup, with the Netherlands looking to capitalize on their victory and Norway aiming to bounce back from the defeat.
As the tournament approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how both teams adapt and perform in the coming months.