Haaland's World Cup Dream: Norway's Star Finally on the Biggest Stage

[Tiger]

Erling Haaland spent years watching World Cups from his sofa because Norway never qualified. They finally made it to 2026 and Haaland arrived. Two goals in his first match against Iraq including a second that came from pressing the goalkeeper into gifting him the ball. Intelligent relentless clinical. The things people say about Haaland at club level are all showing up at international level now he finally has the stage. Norway at their first World Cup since 1998 carrying one of the most lethal goalscorers on the planet. The golden boot race now has three names. Messi on five. Mbappe on three. Haaland somewhere in between and adding more tonight.

Norway 4-1 Iraq: Haaland scores brace on World Cup 2026 debut - as it happenedwww.espn.com

[Grover26]

Haaland waiting years for Norway to qualify and then scoring twice in his first match is the perfect narrative

[Cole75]

The goalkeeper press goal against Iraq showed his intelligence. It wasn't luck it was deliberate hunting

[Lucy05]

Norway without Haaland probably don't qualify. Norway with Haaland are potential giant killers

[DiogoCardoso]

Haaland vs Mbappe in the knockout stages would be the other great storyline of this tournament

[Brett42]

Twenty-five years old at his first World Cup. He could have two or three more. The records he might set are frightening

[MickFoley]

Odegaard providing creative supply for Haaland is a beautiful combination. Both fulfilling their potential

[NoMercyElliot54]

Norway's first World Cup since 1998 and they're making a serious impression. Not just here to participate

[NightHarbour]

The Zlatan quote about Haaland never being better than him is going to age poorly at this rate

[Callum28]

Haaland scored a brace on World Cup debut. Not many players in history have done that on their first appearance

[MegaPete71]

Norway fans at MetLife Stadium were something special apparently. Viking Row in New Jersey is a thing now