Erling Haaland’s unparalleled scoring ability is driving Norway’s attempt to qualify for its first FIFA World Cup since 1998, reflecting a new offensive approach for the national squad.
The Manchester City striker is the leading scorer in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with 12 goals, having found the net in every qualifier match he has played.
Eight of those 12 goals came in just the last two games, against Moldova and Israel.
Haaland boasts an impressive international career record, scoring 51 goals in 46 appearances for Norway.
This season alone, he has registered 30 goals in 20 appearances for both club and country, with 11 of those coming in five games for Norway.
Norway currently leads Group I and can secure direct qualification to the World Cup if they defeat Estonia today and second-place Italy fails to win against Moldova.
An Italian loss would automatically qualify Norway, ending a 28-year absence from the global tournament.
National coach Stale Solbakken, who played in the last Norwegian team to reach the World Cup in 1998, highlighted the shift in playing philosophy.
Solbakken described the 1990s team as “very balanced” with a superior defense, relying on a solid defensive base to win games after scoring just one goal.
In contrast, he said the current generation is “more advanced” offensively and “mentally prepared” to take more risks, emphasizing their “feeling of freedom.”
Norway, playing at home in Oslo, is favored to win their qualifier against fourth-placed Estonia. Haaland is poised to make his career debut at a World Cup.