Haaland on Norway's FIFA World Cup return: 'I've never experienced it in my life'
Synopsis
Erling Haaland has never seen Norway at a World Cup — and he made sure that changed. With 16 qualifying goals equalling an all-time record, the striker single-handedly dragged Norway back to the global stage after a 28-year absence. Now, ahead of their opener against Iraq, he calls it a dream come true — and his father's ghost at USA 1994 adds a layer the tournament's PR team could not have scripted.
Key Takeaways
Norway qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a 28-year absence, their last appearance being France 1998 .
Erling Haaland scored in all eight qualifying matches, finishing with a joint-record 16 goals .
Norway sealed qualification with a 4-1 win over Italy in their final qualifier.
Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland , played for Norway at USA 1994 — the same country hosting the 2026 tournament.
Norway face Iraq in their opening match at Boston Stadium , and Senegal on Matchday 2 at New York New Jersey Stadium .
Erling Haaland has described Norway's qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a deeply personal milestone, saying he had never witnessed his country at a World Cup in his lifetime and that getting Norway there had always been his biggest footballing ambition. The Manchester City striker made the remarks in an interview with FIFA ahead of the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Norway's 28-Year Wait Ends
Norway last appeared at a major international tournament at UEFA Euro 2000 — a competition that concluded just 19 days before Haaland was born. Their most recent FIFA World Cup appearance was in France 1998, making the gap to 2026 a full 28 years. The Scandinavians finally sealed their return with a commanding 4-1 victory over Italy in their final qualifying fixture.
Haaland's Dominant Qualifying Campaign
The 24-year-old striker was the driving force behind Norway's qualification run. He scored in all eight qualifying matches, including a five-goal haul against Moldova and a brace in the decisive win away to Italy. His tally of 16 goals in qualifying equals the all-time record for a single qualifying campaign. Notably, this is the kind of individual dominance over a qualifying cycle that few strikers in history have managed.
What Haaland Said
'I've never experienced Norway being at the World Cup in my life, so I think it was about time. For me personally, it's a huge thing. I've said it for a long time, my big goal is to get Norway to the World Cup,' Haaland told FIFA.
He added: 'That's what I'm going to try to work towards. Now it's finally happened and I'm super-happy for that, and super-excited for what's next. You kind of got the relief and the joy everyone in the country had. It was amazing to experience.'
Haaland also reflected on what the moment means for younger Norwegian fans: 'I never experienced the World Cup as a kid in this country. So, I'm super-happy for the kids in Norway to experience it, because I would have loved to have seen Norway playing in the World Cup. Every time I looked at the World Cup, I was rooting for another country, so it's going to be nice.'
A Family Connection to the USA
Norway will play all three of their Group Stage matches on US soil, a detail that carries special resonance for Haaland. His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, represented Norway at USA 1994, including a 1-0 defeat to Italy at the old Giants Stadium. That venue has since been replaced by the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Erling and Norway are scheduled to face Senegal on Matchday 2.
Haaland on Walking Out at Boston Stadium
On the prospect of stepping out of the tunnel at Boston Stadium for Norway's opening match against Iraq, Haaland said: 'It will feel kind of like a dream come true. You know it's more special, I think, because I've never experienced it. So, it will be an interesting feeling and experience because, again, I don't know what I'm going into, because I've never been (there). I'm just looking forward to it — it's going to be amazing.'
With Norway's World Cup campaign now a reality, all eyes will be on whether Haaland can translate his qualifying form onto the biggest stage of all.
Point of View
Yet it has taken place in a qualifying zone rarely scrutinised at the level of UEFA's top groups. The real measure of his and Norway's ambition comes now, against organised African and South American opposition. There is also a structural question worth asking: Norway's qualification rests almost entirely on one player. Should Haaland pick up an injury or face sustained marking, the squad's depth will be tested in ways qualifying never demanded. The father-son USA narrative is compelling, but the football will decide whether this is a fairy tale or a first-round exit.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Norway last qualify for the FIFA World Cup?
Norway's last FIFA World Cup appearance was in France 1998 . Their qualification for 2026 ends a 28-year absence from the tournament.
How many goals did Haaland score in World Cup qualifying?
Erling Haaland scored 16 goals across eight qualifying matches, equalling the all-time record for goals in a single World Cup qualifying campaign. He scored in every match, including a five-goal game against Moldova.
How did Norway qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Norway secured their place at FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 4-1 victory over Italy in their final qualifying fixture. Haaland scored a brace in that match.
Where will Norway play their World Cup 2026 matches?
Norway will play all three of their Group Stage matches in the United States . Their fixtures include an opener against Iraq at Boston Stadium and a Matchday 2 clash with Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium .
What is the significance of USA hosting the 2026 World Cup for Haaland?
Erling Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland , played for Norway at USA 1994 , making the 2026 tournament on American soil a full-circle moment for the family. Alf-Inge's appearances included a 1-0 defeat to Italy at the old Giants Stadium , the site now replaced by New York New Jersey Stadium .
