A Force to be Reckoned With
Erling Haaland's Norway are one of the dark horses at this summer's World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, being in Group I alongside France, Iraq, and Senegal.
Stale Solbakken's side are in what many have identified to be this tournament's group of death, but expectations are higher than ever after an impressive qualifying campaign.
Norway stormed through to their first World Cup since 1998, winning all eight of their qualifying matches and scoring 37 goals in the process. And it was no surprise that prolific Manchester City striker Haaland was by some distance the top scorer in European qualifying: his return of 16 goals was double that of the next best, Marko Arnautovic, Harry Kane and Memphis Depay on eight each.
Has Haaland played at the World Cup?
No, Haaland has yet to play at a World Cup, but that will change this summer.
The 25-year-old has been banging in goals for his country since 2020, but Norway missed out on qualification for World Cup 2022 in Qatar. They finished third behind Turkey and Netherlands, but in the years since they have become a real force.
Haaland, along with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, has been a key part of Norway's transformation, and all eyes will be on the powerful forward in North America.
Could Haaland win the Golden Boot?
Haaland is certainly amongst the favourites to win the Golden Boot at this year's World Cup.
If Norway go far in the competition, it would not be surprising to see the striker plunder goals along the way. Much will depend on his country's progress, though, with France's Kylian Mbappe and England's Harry Kane expected to be amongst the top scorers again.
Haaland might have identified the opening group match against Iraq on June 16 as a chance to immediately get up and running. Norway then play Senegal on June 23 followed by France on June 26.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Erling Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway?
It seems certain that Haaland will at the very least get off the mark at the World Cup, given his astounding record at international level. He has scored 55 times in 50 appearances for Norway, and is already his nation's record goalscorer.