After years of being a spectator, Haaland will finally get to write his own World Cup story. That story will begin on the morning of June 17th, when his Norwegian team plays their opening match against Iraq at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The missing piece in the collection
For many players, winning the Champions League, the Premier League, or accumulating numerous individual accolades like Erling Haaland does is enough to satisfy their career. But Haaland himself still feels his “collection” is missing something very important.
That void was only truly filled last November, when Norway beat Italy 4-1 in Milan to officially qualify for the 2026 World Cup . This will be the first major tournament in the national team colors for the Manchester City striker, and also marks Norway’s first World Cup appearance since 1998.
“I felt there was something missing in 2022 in Qatar and also in EURO 2024. Now that has finally happened. It’s time,” Haaland shared in an interview with ESPN.
With 16 goals in the qualifying rounds, Haaland played a major role in helping Norway qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The 25-year-old star was the most important factor in Norway’s qualification campaign. He scored 16 goals in the European qualifying rounds, eight more than any other player despite playing only eight matches. In the decisive match at San Siro, Haaland scored two goals in just two minutes to help his team complete their qualifying campaign.
But with success comes immense pressure. As the most prominent figure in Norwegian football for many years, Haaland has always carried the expectation of leading the national team back to the world’s biggest stage, and shining on that stage.
“The pressure is immense. Everyone always wants me to achieve something great,” said the striker born in 2000. “But I like it. Pressure always excites me.”
“Proud to be Norwegian”
Unlike many other top stars, Haaland grew up without ever seeing Norway play in the World Cup. His memories of the tournament are tied to moments from other teams, from the 2010 World Cup opening match between South Africa and Mexico to James Rodriguez’s explosive performance in Brazil in 2014.
After making his national team debut in 2019, Haaland experienced a series of disappointments as Norway failed to qualify for EURO 2020, World Cup 2022, or EURO 2024. Therefore, a ticket to North America this summer holds special significance not only for him personally but also for an entire generation of Norwegian fans.
“I’ve never experienced Norway participating in the World Cup in my entire life. Now, Norwegian children can witness their team competing in this tournament and will cherish the same memories I had with previous World Cups,” Haaland said.
National pride has always been an important part of this striker’s personality. Although born in Leeds (England) and eligible to play for England, Haaland has always affirmed that he is a true Norwegian.
Before departing for training in the US, the entire Norwegian national team took a farewell photoshoot for their fans, dressed in traditional Viking attire by a famous fjord in the country. For Haaland, it wasn’t simply a media campaign.
In March, he spent 1.3 million Norwegian kroner to buy a rare book on Viking history, which he then donated to a library in his hometown of Bryne so that the public could access it. “I am proud to be Norwegian. Our country has a very special history,” Haaland said.
Haaland in a Viking-themed photoshoot before heading to the 2026 World Cup.
At the 2026 World Cup, Norway is in Group I along with Iraq, Senegal, and France. After their opening match against Iraq at 5:00 AM on June 17th, the Nordic team will face Senegal and title contender France, where Haaland will have the opportunity to face Kylian Mbappe at the national team level for the first time in his career.
Despite being considered a potential “dark horse” by many experts, Haaland and his teammates are not setting overly ambitious goals.
“I haven’t thought too much about where I need to go next. My biggest goal was to help Norway qualify for the World Cup, and we did it. Honestly, from this point on, everything is a reward,” he affirmed.
