Some legendary players never made it to the World Cup - but thankfully Erling Haaland won't be one of them after he booked his ticket to North America on Sunday evening
14:39, 17 Nov 2025
Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates victory following the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy.
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Erling Haaland will be at the 2026 World Cup
Up until now, it remained one of the greatest travesties in professional football.
Earning comparisons with the fact someone as talented as Steven Gerrard never won a league title. Or up there with George Best never getting to showcase his genius at a World Cup.
Neither did the likes of Eric Cantona, Neville Southall, Ryan Giggs or Alfredo Di Stefano. It has been the same tag Erling Haaland has carried with him, too.
But thanks to the man himself, Haaland will finally get the chance to perform on the greatest stage of all. And the tournament in North America next summer will be much richer for him being there.
Haaland is the most lethal striker in world football. And on current evidence, he might well go on to become the greatest goalscorer of all time.
Norway's captain #09 Erling Braut Haaland (2ndR) argues with Italy's defender #23 Gianluca Mancini (L) as Italy's goalkeeper #01 Gianluigi Donnarumma retains him during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification football match between Italy and Norway, at the San Siro Stadium, in Milan, on November 16, 2025
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Norway qualified for the World Cup on Sunday evening
Every player dreams of playing in a World Cup - and Haaland has been no different. And now that dream will come true.
The Manchester City phenomenon has scored 16 goals in eight qualifiers for Norway. This makes him the top scorer in the qualification campaign on all continents.
To some extent, Haaland has been a victim of being Norwegian. Norway have only reached three World Cups in history, and the next one will be their first major tournament since Euro 2000.
Erling Haaland has been a victim of being Norwegian
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Erling Haaland has been a victim of being Norwegian
Haaland wasn't even born before those finals kicked off. But once it emerged Haaland was going to be an extraordinary talent belonging to a mediocre footballing nation, the burden on him to change the cause of modern history began.
"I'm happy, but more relieved," said Haaland, after Norway's place in the World Cup was secured. "There's a lot of pressure and stuff - and I feel it. But it's fun."
What won't be fun is the challenge facing whichever defenders have to try and stop him during the group stages next summer. He has scored 55 goals in 48 international appearances.
He is the first player in more than half a century to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps. More than 12 months have passed since Haaland last failed to score in a game for his country.
And including games for Manchester City this season, Haaland has scored 32 goals in 20 appearances. Just take a moment to absorb these numbers.
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Not to mention the fact that all those who love the game could have lived through time without seeing Haaland at the greatest show on turf. But thankfully, justice has finally prevailed.