Erling Haaland has confirmed he is ready to make his World Cup debut when Norway takes the field for the first time in nearly three decades. The Manchester City striker, who has become one of the most prolific goalscorers on the planet, will finally get to compete on football’s biggest stage after dragging his country back to relevance in international competition.

Norway last appeared at a World Cup in 1998, when a young squad featuring Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, made the trip to France. That’s 28 years of missed tournaments, failed qualifications, and near-misses.

A qualification campaign for the history books

Haaland scored 16 goals in just eight qualifying matches. That’s two goals per game across an entire World Cup qualification cycle.

The crowning moment came on November 16, 2025, when Norway dismantled Italy 4-1 to clinch their spot in the 2026 tournament.

Haaland now sits as Norway’s all-time leading scorer with 55 goals in fewer than 50 international appearances.

Norway’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup is set for June 16, 2026, against Iraq at Gillette Stadium.

A family legacy comes full circle

Alf-Inge Haaland represented Norway at the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Now, 32 years later, his son will wear the same national team jersey at a World Cup hosted in the same country.

Erling has been vocal about the fact that taking Norway to a World Cup was his long-term ambition. Not winning the Champions League. Not collecting Golden Boots. Getting Norway to the World Cup.

In the buildup to the tournament, Haaland has reportedly been preparing through golf and team bonding sessions.