7M - Haaland Targets World Cup Debut As Norway Return After 28 Years

Erling Haaland, the 25-year-old Manchester City forward, is poised to make his World Cup debut in 2026, having guided Norway back to the tournament for the first time since 1998. Born in Leeds on July 1, 2000, while his father Alfie played in the Premier League, Haaland has developed into one of football's most formidable attackers.

Standing 1.95 meters tall and weighing 95 kilograms, the Norwegian international combines physical presence with exceptional pace and clinical finishing using both feet and his head. He has recorded 55 goals in 49 appearances for Norway, including 16 of the team's 37 goals across eight World Cup qualifying matches that saw off Italy, Israel, Estonia and Moldova in UEFA Group I.

Since joining Manchester City in July 2022, Haaland has scored 159 goals in 193 games. His overall senior career tally stands at 296 goals in 380 matches. Prior to his move to England, he netted 86 goals in 89 appearances for Borussia Dortmund, winning the German Cup and the 2020-21 Bundesliga Player of the Season award.

Haaland's career trajectory accelerated early. After debuting in Norway's second tier for Bryne at age 15, he transferred to Molde in 2018 and finished as top scorer with 12 goals in 25 league matches. A move to Red Bull Salzburg followed, where he scored 28 goals in 22 games before Dortmund secured his signature.

In the 2022-23 Premier League campaign, Haaland set a new record with 36 goals and became the fastest player to register eight hat-tricks. His honors with City include two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup, and the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League.

Norway's 2026 World Cup squad features Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard and RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa alongside Haaland. Drawn into a group with France, Senegal and Iraq, the team will depend heavily on Haaland's attacking output to progress. As the tournament approaches, the striker remains focused on delivering impact at football's premier global event.