Norway coach Stale Solbakken has described striker Erling Haaland as the world’s best goal scorer ahead of the country’s opening game against Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Their opening Group I match will see them face Iraq in Boston on Tuesday, with a difficult group also featuring two-time world champions France and Senegal. However, Norway will head into the competition with one of the most dangerous strikers in world football leading their attack.
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Haaland has been in outstanding form for both club and country. The Manchester City forward claimed his third Premier League Golden Boot in four seasons and has scored 55 goals in 50 appearances for Norway.
In an interview with FIFA.com, Solbakken stated that Erling Haaland is ready to make a huge impact at the football biggest showpiece.
“Hopefully he’ll have a very big impact.
“He’s our goalscorer. I think he’s the world’s best goalscorer. He’s physically fit, he was given a little bit of a break towards the end of the season.
“I think gradually he has played better and better in training here. I think he’s where he wants to be and hopefully the team can also give him the service he needs to score goals.
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“If you give Erling chances, he has a tendency to score, so hopefully that continues.
“We are in a very competitive group, maybe the hardest of all. If you can start with three points then maybe you are on your way. You can’t hide that it’s a very important game.”
