The decisive final matchdays of the FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA Group I campaign feature a critical Nordic-Baltic showdown as Norway host Estonia. The home side, Norway, enters this fixture in a commanding position at the top of the group, having maintained a perfect record throughout the campaign.
A win here against the bottom-of-the-group Estonia could potentially assure Norway of automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, depending on the result of the Italy match. Estonia, the visitors, have struggled significantly, managing only a few points, but will be determined to provide a staunch defensive test against the heavily favoured hosts, drawing motivation from their resilience in the reverse fixture. This match at the Ullevaal Stadion is set to be a highly anticipated event as Norway looks to secure its World Cup ticket.
Match Details
This penultimate match in the Group I schedule is crucial for Norway’s aspiration of securing direct qualification for the World Cup finals.
DetailInformationCompetitionFIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFAPhaseGroup I – Matchday 7 (or 8)DateThursday, November 13, 2025Kick-off7:00 PM CET (Time TBD)VenueUllevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway
Team Form and Analysis for Norway
World Cup Qualifying Performance and Goal Scoring Record
Norway are currently in 1st position in Group I with a perfect record of six wins from six matches, amassing a significant 18 points. Their goal difference of +26 is testament to their devastating attack.
The Drillos (The Norway Team) have been unstoppable in this campaign under manager Ståle Solbakken. Their qualification run includes crushing victories such as an 11-1 thrashing of Moldova and a comprehensive 5-0 win over Israel. Crucially, they also secured a commanding 3-0 home win against traditional rivals Italy. Norway’s success is built upon a balanced and highly efficient 4-3-3 system, featuring a blend of world-class attacking talent and disciplined midfield control. Their last match against Estonia was a hard-fought 1-0 victory away from home in June, where they struggled to break down a deep defensive block, but ultimately secured the win through their star striker. Facing Estonia again, they will be aiming for a comprehensive victory in front of a home crowd eager to celebrate World Cup qualification.
Key Player: Erling Braut Haaland
Forward Erling Braut Haaland is the spearhead of the Norway attack and the leading goalscorer of the entire qualifying campaign, having already scored a record-breaking number of goals for the national team. His combination of speed, immense power, and clinical finishing makes him virtually unplayable. Haaland recently scored the sole goal in the 1-0 win over Estonia and also bagged a hat-trick against Israel. His movement and predatory instinct in the box will be the primary weapon Norway utilizes to break down Estonia’s expected compact, five-man defensive unit.
Team Form and Analysis for Estonia
World Cup Qualifying Campaign and Defensive Strategy
Estonia are currently rooted in 4th position in Group I with 4 points from seven matches, a record of one win, one draw, and five losses.
The Estonian side, under manager Jürgen Henn, has struggled with consistency in this challenging group. Their sole victory came against a weaker opponent, but they have shown periods of defensive resilience, notably holding Norway to a narrow 1-0 defeat at home in June, and securing a recent 1-1 draw against Moldova. Their struggles are evident in their low goal-scoring tally of only 7 goals scored against a high 17 goals conceded. Estonia typically employs a defensive 5-3-2 formation, aiming to frustrate opponents with a compact shape and rely on counter-attacks or set-pieces. Given the threat posed by Norway’s world-class attackers, Estonia’s primary objective in Oslo will be to maintain a high level of concentration and tactical discipline to avoid a heavy defeat.
Key Player: Mattias Käit
Midfielder Mattias Käit is the most influential player in the Estonia squad. He combines a strong defensive work rate with bursts of attacking quality, often leading the team’s transition plays. Käit has contributed to the team’s limited goal-scoring with three goals in the qualifiers. Operating in central midfield, his role will be critical: not only must he provide defensive cover for the back five, but he must also retain possession and use his vision to launch counter-attacks to relieve pressure on his side. His all-action style and leadership are vital for a team expected to spend the majority of the match on the defensive.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The overall head-to-head record slightly favours Norway, though past results have been mixed across friendly and competitive fixtures.
MetricNorway WinsDrawsEstonia WinsTotal Matches (Since 2005)211Recent WCQ Result (June 2025)Norway 1-0 Estonia (A)Norway’s Current Unbeaten Streak1 win1 draw0 losses
The competitive head-to-head record is dominated by the most recent match in the current qualifying campaign, where Norway secured a tough 1-0 victory in Tallinn. Historically, matches between the two nations have been low-scoring affairs, including a 0-0 friendly draw in 2016 and a 1-0 friendly win for Estonia in 2014. However, Norway’s current crop of players represents a significant step up in quality compared to previous eras, suggesting a more one-sided competitive outcome is likely in Oslo.
Players to Watch
Norway
Martin Ødegaard (Midfielder): The team captain and playmaker is the creative hub of the Norwegian midfield. His exceptional passing range, vision, and ability to unlock deep-sitting defences are crucial. He will be essential in feeding chances to Haaland and Sørloth.
Alexander Sørloth (Forward): The Atlético Madrid striker is a powerful complement to Haaland. His willingness to drop deep, hold up the ball, and score from various positions ensures that Estonia cannot solely focus on their main striker.
Estonia
Karl Jakob Hein (Goalkeeper): The Arsenal goalkeeper is a highly-rated prospect and perhaps Estonia’s most important player in this fixture. His shot-stopping ability and commanding presence will be tested repeatedly by the Norwegian attack, and his performance will be key to keeping the score respectable.
Rauno Sappinen (Forward): A veteran striker, Sappinen is Estonia’s most likely goal threat. While often isolated, his experience and predatory instincts mean Norway’s defence cannot afford to switch off, particularly on counter-attacks or set-pieces.
Prediction
Norway enters this match as overwhelming favourites, possessing superior talent across the pitch and the immense motivation of World Cup qualification. Estonia’s strength lies in their defensive organization and goalkeeper, which allowed them to frustrate Norway in the reverse fixture. However, playing at the Ullevaal Stadion will provide the Drillos with even greater impetus, and their elite attacking unit, spearheaded by Haaland, is simply too strong. While Estonia may hold out for a time, Norway’s constant pressure and quality should eventually break the deadlock and lead to a comfortable win that secures their spot in the finals.
Score Prediction: Norway 4-0 Estonia
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This critical FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA match is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms globally.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match will be available to watch and stream live on Viaplay Sports or other broadcasters holding the rights for this specific UEFA qualifying fixture.
In the United States (US), the match is typically available to watch and stream live on FOX Sports networks or their associated streaming services like Fubo TV or ViX+.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
