Erling Haaland to Spearhead Norway's Return to World Cup After 28 Years
Norway is set to participate in the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years, with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland leading the national team. The 25-year-old goal-scorer carries significant expectations to guide Norway through Group I, which includes Iraq, Senegal, and France. Haaland has a prolific record, having scored 174 goals in 199 matches since the 2019-20 season, and has publicly embraced the pressure of international competition.
Norway will make its first FIFA World Cup appearance in 28 years, with anticipation centered on star striker Erling Haaland. The 25-year-old Manchester City player was born two years after Norway's last World Cup participation in France '98, where they reached the Round of 16.
Haaland's primary role for Norway will be to score goals, a skill he has demonstrated consistently throughout his career. Since the 2019-20 season, Haaland has scored 174 goals in 199 matches, averaging 0.87 goals per game. This places him among the top goal-scorers in Europe's major leagues during that period.
Haaland has expressed his ambition for the national team, stating to GQ magazine that his "big goal has been to get Norway to a World Cup and Euros" since his international debut in 2019. He also noted his comfort with the associated pressure, saying he would place high expectations on himself regardless.
Norway has previously participated in three World Cups, with Haaland's father, Alfie Haaland, having been part of the 1994 squad. The team's 2026 World Cup campaign will begin in Group I, where they are scheduled to face Iraq at Gillette Stadium, Senegal at MetLife Stadium, and France. The match against France is anticipated to be crucial for advancing to the knockout rounds.
Former Norway striker Jan Åge Fjørtoft, who played alongside Haaland's father, has observed the younger Haaland's development into a comprehensive player. Fjørtoft highlighted Haaland's consistent improvement, including heading ability, ball retention, and two-footed play. Despite occasional scoring lulls, Haaland finished last season with 27 goals, tying for his second-highest tally in his four seasons in England.
(Source: Yahoo Sports Soccer)
