Erling Haaland has driven Norway back to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years, ending a long absence from the tournament [1, 2]. Haaland scored 16 goals as Norway won all eight matches in the qualification campaign, tallying 37 goals as a team during the run [1, 2]. His scoring included a key brace in a 4-1 win over Italy, part of two victories that left Italy out of the tournament [1, 2].
Norway will face France, Senegal, and Iraq in the group stage of the upcoming World Cup [1, 2]. The squad also includes Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard [1, 2].
Standing 1.95 meters tall, Haaland is known for his speed, strength, and ability to score with both feet [1, 2]. Alan Shearer praised him as a "goal machine" with excellent positioning and aerial skills [1]. Haaland expressed pride in qualifying, saying, "I’ve never experienced Norway being at the World Cup in my life, so I think it was about time. For me personally, it is a huge thing... It will feel kind of like a dream come true." He highlighted the boost from beating Italy at San Siro: "We went to San Siro, where not many teams have beaten them in World Cup qualifying, and we’ve gone and beat them, which shows people we can perform no matter where and no matter what."
Haaland’s rise began early. He debuted for Bryne’s senior team at age 15, signed for Molde in 2017 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and later played for Austrian club Salzburg [1, 2]. He made global headlines in 2019 by scoring nine goals in Norway’s 12-0 win over Honduras at the Under-20 World Cup [1, 2]. He is the son of former Norwegian international Alf-Inge Haaland and national heptathlon champion Gry Marita Braut [1, 2].
Norway’s return completes a strong qualifying cycle dominated by Haaland’s exceptional scoring. The team now prepares for the World Cup group stage, where they will compete against established powers France and Senegal, with the addition of Iraq also providing a competitive challenge [1, 2].