Norway has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their first appearance since 1998 and ending a long drought in the global showpiece. The dramatic 4-1 victory over Italy in the final European qualifier propelled the Vikings to the tournament, with star striker Erling Haaland delivering a brace to cap a flawless campaign.
Haaland’s heroics underscore his status as Norway’s talismanic figure. The Manchester City forward has amassed an astonishing 55 goals in just 48 caps for his country since debuting in 2019, shattering the national record long held by Jørgen Juve and establishing himself as one of the most prolific international scorers of his generation.
On the club front, Haaland continues his relentless form in the 2025/26 season, netting 14 goals across 11 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City. His scoring prowess remains a cornerstone for both club and country, fueling excitement for Norway’s World Cup adventure.
Notably, Haaland’s World Cup qualifying campaign was nothing short of legendary, where he tallied 16 goals in eight matches, including decisive strikes against powerhouses like Italy and the Netherlands, single-handedly turning Norway’s qualification dreams into reality and positioning the team as dark horses for the expanded 48-team tournament in North America.
