Erling Haaland is playing World Cup football in the New York metropolitan area, and Norway is relevant on the global stage for the first time in nearly three decades. The striker featured for Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium in a group stage match against Senegal on June 22, 2026, continuing what has already been a memorable tournament for the 25-year-old.
Norway last qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 1998. For context, Google was founded that year. The fact that they’re back, with one of the most prolific goal scorers on the planet leading the line, makes this more than just a feel-good story.
Haaland’s World Cup debut was exactly what you’d expect
Haaland announced himself on the World Cup stage the way he announces himself everywhere else: with goals. He scored twice in Norway’s opening group stage match, a convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq on June 16, 2026, at Gillette Stadium.
The Senegal match at New York New Jersey Stadium represented Norway’s second test. All three of Norway’s group stage matches are being held in the United States as part of the 2026 tournament’s tri-nation hosting format across the US, Mexico, and Canada.
