Erling Haaland has left the Norway camp early and will not feature in their upcoming friendly against New Zealand, with the Manchester City striker returning to his club
20:04, 12 Oct 2025Updated 20:04, 12 Oct 2025
OSLO, NORWAY - OCTOBER 11: Erling Braut Haaland of Norway during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Norway and Israel at Ullevaal Stadion on October 11, 2025 in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Erling Haaland has left the Norway camp early(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
Erling Haaland is poised to rejoin Manchester City earlier than expected, departing the Norway squad before their friendly clash with New Zealand.
The 24-year-old striker was pivotal in Norway's emphatic 5-0 triumph over Israel on Saturday, netting a hat-trick despite squandering two early spot-kicks.
This outstanding display took his international goal haul to 51 strikes in 46 games for his country. And with only a friendly fixture left on Stale Solbakken's agenda this international break, Haaland and several teammates have been granted permission to rejoin their respective clubs ahead of domestic commitments.
Despite Haaland's early exit, City supporters seemingly have no reason to sweat over his fitness. And can still take an interest in Norway's friendly.
Oscar Bobb could potentially feature against New Zealand, whilst 18-year-old midfielder Sverre Nypan, who moved to City from Rosenborg for £12.5million this summer, has earned his maiden senior squad call-up.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Erling Haaland of Manchester City takes his place in the dugout during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at City Ground on April 28, 2024 in Nottingham, England.(Photo by Copa/Getty Images)
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Haaland has been allowed to return to Manchester City early(Image: Copa, Getty Images)
Nypan, who is currently impressing on loan at Championship outfit Middlesbrough, captained Norway Under-21s in their 4-1 friendly loss to Spain on Friday and now stands ready for a senior bow against the All Whites in Oslo on Tuesday.
The Norwegian FA stated: "Sebastian Sebulonsen is in the Norwegian national team squad, he and Sverre Nypan are participating in today's training.
"Players with particularly tight match schedules are returning home: Alexander Sorloth, Julian Ryerson, Erling Braut Haaland and Fredrik Bjorkan. Felix Horn Myhre is leaving the squad due to a sore ankle."
Norway edged closer to World Cup qualification after securing a victory against Israel, marking their sixth win in as many games.
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During the match, Haaland set a new record by becoming the quickest player to score 50 goals for his country, achieving this feat faster than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Pele.
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The team's remaining group matches are scheduled for the November international break. They will play host to Estonia on 13 November before heading to Italy three days later.
Italy, who face Israel on Tuesday, are desperate for a win to narrow Norway's lead to just three points. They are currently facing the possibility of not qualifying for next summer's World Cup.