Norwegian striker shines in the Champions League: Sørloth’s hat-trick helps Atlético advance, Haaland scores twice against Serie A leaders

Can you imagine? Norway has not participated in the World Cup since 1998. Today, the Norwegian squad is full of talent, having finished top of their European qualifying group ahead of Italy to qualify directly for the 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup. Norwegian forwards have been dazzling in this season’s Champions League knockout rounds, raising fans’ expectations for their World Cup showing this summer.

In the early hours of February 25th Beijing time, during the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 play-offs, the Norwegian tall strikerSørlothscored a hat-trick, leading Atlético to a commanding 4-1 home victory over Club Brugge. With a 7-4 aggregate, Atlético advanced smoothly to the Champions League round of 16. Fans watching the match exclaimed how powerful the Norwegian striker is—not only do they have Haaland, but also Sørloth. Any opponent facing Norway must feel immense pressure if the team fields a striking duo of Haaland and Sørloth, as their defense lines are heavily challenged.

In the early hours of February 25th Beijing time, during the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 play-offs, Norwegian forward Haaland scored again, helping Bodø/Glimt secure a 2-1 away win against Serie A leaders Inter Milan. Combined with their 3-1 home victory in the first leg, Bodø/Glimt completed a double triumph over Inter. Haaland also scored in the first leg at home. After struggling at AC Milan and Eintracht Frankfurt, this Norwegian forward has flourished since returning to Bodø/Glimt, excelling on the Champions League stage. This season, he has netted 6 goals and provided 1 assist in 10 Champions League matches, displaying remarkable efficiency and regaining the attention of top-five European league clubs.

Besides Champions League forwards Haaland, Sørloth, and Haaland, Norway’s attacking line also includes Premier League forwards Larsen and Bob, as well as Bundesliga striker Nusa. In terms of striking power, Norway has become one of the world’s elite football teams, with offensive strength surpassing top nations like Spain, Portugal, Germany, Argentina, and Brazil. With such a formidable squad, how can we not look forward to their performance at the USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup?