Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland secured Norway a place in the 2026 World Cup, giving the nation a shot at their first major tournament in decades. The 25-year-old Manchester City striker dominated qualifying, scoring 16 goals in eight games and netting in every match.
His scoring record made him the top scorer across all continents for 2026 World Cup qualifying. Norway’s 4-1 victory over Italy, with Haaland scoring twice, confirmed their spot in North America next summer. Speaking after the game, Haaland said, “I’m happy, but more relieved. There’s a lot of pressure, but it’s fun.”
Norway will appear in only their fourth World Cup and their first major tournament since Euro 2000. Journalist Lars Sivertsen highlighted Haaland’s rare status: “We’ve not had someone who was an outright superstar like Erling. He may already be our greatest ever player.”
Haaland’s Goal Machine
Haaland’s scoring record for Norway is phenomenal. He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches, making him the first player in 53 years to reach 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps. Norway’s previous top scorer, Jorgen Juve, held the record at 33 goals for 90 years.
During qualifiers, Haaland tallied 16 goals and added two assists in eight matches. He doubled the total of any other European player and led globally, including regions with twice as many games. Over a year has passed since he last failed to score for Norway. Including club games for City, Haaland has netted 32 goals in 20 matches this season.
Teamwork Behind the Star
Haaland’s brilliance does not overshadow his teammates. Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, registered seven assists, the most in European qualifying. He has represented Norway 67 times since debuting at 15. Sivertsen noted, “Combine Haaland’s success with Odegaard, and Norway has arguably both the best striker and one of the best playmakers in the Premier League.”
He added that this pairing may never happen again in his lifetime. Still, Norway’s squad would have remained competitive even without Haaland, Sivertsen argued. He compared Haaland and Odegaard’s importance to Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey’s role in Wales’ Euro 2016 semi-final run. Success relies on stars supported by a strong team structure.
More Relief than Euphoria
Norway fans will enjoy international tournament football for the first time in a generation. The nation previously competed in the 1938, 1994, and 1998 World Cups and Euro 2000. Haaland’s father, Alf Inge, played in 1994. Erling previously said surpassing his father’s achievements motivated him. Alf never won a club trophy, while Erling has claimed the Treble with City plus other titles in Austria and Germany.
A World Cup appearance fills the only gap in his career. Haaland said that qualifying would spark celebrations akin to a major nation winning the tournament. Sivertsen emphasized the sense of relief, noting Norway now fields a team that deserves to compete at the top level.
Not Your Typical Norwegian
Haaland’s personality sets him apart. “He’s confident and can be a bit brash,” said Sivertsen. Scandinavian culture often values humility, like former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who accepted a squad role. Haaland, by contrast, demands a starting spot.
Sivertsen said Norway embraces him as an unconventional hero. “He represents a new level of star for our country. People feel extraordinary pride that he is Norwegian.”
Haaland Avoids the Great Player Curse
Qualifying for the World Cup ensures Haaland avoids the fate of legendary players who never featured in the tournament. George Weah, George Best, Alfredo di Stefano, Laszlo Kubala, and Gunnar Nordahl all missed World Cups despite exceptional careers. Even Wales icons Ryan Giggs and Ian Rush never played in football’s premier event. Haaland now joins the ranks of great players who will showcase their talent on football’s biggest stage.
