Erling Haaland has confirmed he is ready to make his World Cup debut when Norway takes the field for the first time in nearly three decades. The Manchester City striker, who has become one of the most prolific goalscorers on the planet, will finally get to compete on football’s biggest stage after dragging his country back to relevance in international competition.
Norway last appeared at a World Cup in 1998, when a young squad featuring Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, made the trip to France. That’s 28 years of missed tournaments, failed qualifications, and near-misses.
A qualification campaign for the history books
Haaland scored 16 goals in just eight qualifying matches. That’s two goals per game across an entire World Cup qualification cycle.
The crowning moment came on November 16, 2025, when Norway dismantled Italy 4-1 to clinch their spot in the 2026 tournament.
