2026 World Cup: Haaland Is Norway’s Secret Weapon – Solbakken

Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken has no doubts about who will drive his team’s historic World Cup return—Erling Haaland.

After 28 years away from football’s biggest stage, the Scandinavians are back, and their prolific goalscorer is the reason why.

Haaland was untouchable during Norway’s qualification campaign, netting a staggering 16 goals—more than any other player in the world. To put that in context:

Despite his superstar status, Solbakken told FIFA.com that Haaland is a dream to work with.

“He wants the best for the team, he loves to be with his teammates and he loves to have fun with all the staff around the team. He’s a very easy-going superstar.”

Norway face a daunting Group I, featuring 2022 finalists France, plus Iraq and Senegal. But Solbakken refuses to be intimidated.

“I don’t think we have anything to fear,” he said. “Having said that, we are in a very hard group against maybe one of the favourites, so it will be very tough no matter what.”