Erling Haaland nurtures a big dream with the Norwegian national team at the 2026 World Cup

Dream come true

Erling Haaland is one of the best strikers in his generation. He has won many titles when playing for clubs in Austria, Germany and England. However, Haaland's biggest desire is still to participate in a major tournament with the Norwegian national team.

The last time this Northern European team participated in a major tournament was EURO 2000. Two years earlier, Norway also participated in the 1998 World Cup. It was not until 28 years later that Haaland and his team passed the World Cup qualifiers.

The Norwegian team topped the European regional qualifying group, with Haaland's excellent form. This striker scored at least 1 goal/match in 8 qualifying matches, scoring a double against Italy away from home. In total, Haaland scored 16 goals, making a great contribution to helping his team achieve the set goal.

I have said this for a long time, my biggest goal is to bring Norway to the World Cup. That is what I will try to aim for. Now that has finally come true and I am extremely happy, as well as very excited about what is coming. You can feel the relief and joy of the whole country. It's wonderful to experience that," Haaland shared with FIFA.

The Norwegian national team will play in the 2026 World Cup in the US, which is even more meaningful for Haaland. At the 1994 World Cup, his father - Alf-Inge - wore the Norwegian national team jersey to play in the group stage matches. That year, the Northern European team also won 4 points like Italy, Mexico and the Republic of Ireland but ranked last in the group due to losing on goal difference.

Belief at the 2026 World Cup

Coming to the 2026 World Cup, the Norwegian team is highly rated, because of their quality squad. In addition to Haaland, coach Stale Solbakken's team can also rely on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, Fulham duo Sander Berge and Oscar Bobb, along with RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, and a few other names.

Haaland himself also has great faith in his team. He said: "First of all, the Norwegian team is a team with superior height. We are a strong team and coordinate very well with each other. Secondly, we have the necessary qualities to create opportunities and score goals. That is what we need to do. I think the Norwegian team is a very interesting and worthwhile team thanks to the players we possess as well as the creativity in our playing style.

Playing well in the qualifiers has created great motivation for us. But not only motivation, it is also a practical reminder, in a positive direction, about our true position. We welcomed Italy at home and defeated them.

We went to San Siro, where not many teams beat them in the World Cup qualifiers, and we went there and won, which shows that we can play well wherever, in any situation”.

At the 2026 World Cup, the Norwegian team is in Group I with France, Senegal and Iraq. This is not an easy group to play in, but Haaland and his teammates are ready to create a surprise.