Solbakken backs Erling Haaland to Shine at 2026 FIFA World Cup as Norway Face Iraq in Boston Opener

Norway’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign begins on Tuesday when they face Iraq in Boston, and head coach Ståle Solbakken has made clear where he believes the key to his side’s fortunes lies — with prolific striker Erling Haaland.

Speaking in the build-up to the Group stage fixture, Solbakken offered an unambiguous assessment of the Manchester City forward. “Hopefully he’ll have a very big impact. He’s our goalscorer. I think he’s the world’s best goalscorer,” the Norway manager said.

Solbakken also addressed Haaland’s physical readiness, revealing the 24-year-old was afforded a brief rest period toward the end of a demanding club season before linking up with the national squad. “He’s physically fit, and 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,” Solbakken added.

The Norway coach was equally direct about the conditions required for Haaland to thrive. “If you give Erling chances, he tends to score. Hopefully, the team can also give him the service he needs,” he said.

Haaland arrives at the World Cup carrying considerable weight of expectation. The striker secured his third Premier League Golden Boot in four seasons during the 2024-25 campaign, underlining his status as one of the most consistent finishers in European club football. At international level, his numbers are equally striking — 55 goals in 50 appearances for Norway represent a conversion rate that places him among the most prolific international strikers of the modern era.

Norway’s Group stage assignment is formidable. Alongside Iraq, they share their group with France — one of the tournament favourites — and Senegal, who have established themselves as a consistent force in world football in recent years. A positive result in the opening fixture against Iraq could therefore prove significant in shaping Norway’s path through the competition.

The Boston fixture will mark Norway’s first appearance at a FIFA World Cup since France 1998, when they reached the Round of 16. Their qualification for the 2026 edition, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was built in large part on Haaland’s extraordinary output during the UEFA qualifying campaign.

For Haaland personally, the tournament represents an opportunity to translate his club-level dominance — which includes multiple Champions League appearances and a Premier League title with Manchester City — onto the global stage. Whether Norway can supply him with the service Solbakken has called for will likely determine how far the Scandinavian nation advances.