Erling Haaland Fires Norway to First Major Tournament in 25 Years

Sports Updated: 17 November 2025 11:54 EAT

Erling Haaland will finally grace a major international tournament after powering Norway to the 2026 World Cup, and he did it breathtakingly.

The 25-year-old Manchester City striker delivered one of the greatest qualifying campaigns ever seen, scoring 16 goals in just eight matches, finding the net in every single game. No player across any continent scored more during the qualifiers.

Norway sealed their place with a commanding 4–1 victory over Italy, where Haaland struck twice to complete a historic campaign.

Haaland admitted, “I’m happy, but more relieved. There’s a lot of pressure… but it’s fun.”

This will be Norway’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years and their first major tournament since the 2000 European Championship.

Haaland’s international record is staggering. The numbers back it up;

55 goals in 48 matches
One of only six players in history to reach 50 goals before 50 caps
Norway’s all-time top scorer, smashing a 90-year record held by Jørgen Juve
Top scorer in the 2026 World Cup qualifying worldwide
32 goals in 20 games this season for club and country

However, Norway’s resurgence isn’t built solely on Haaland. Captain Martin Ødegaard, 26, has been the creative engine delivering seven assists, the most in European qualifying. The Arsenal playmaker already boasts 67 caps since debuting at age 15.

For Norway, this is more than qualification, it’s a rebirth. Fans will finally get to experience the pride and electricity of cheering their team at a major tournament again, something they last enjoyed in World Cups 1938, 1994, 1998, and Euro 2000.