Haaland Recognized as World Cup 2026's Leading Goal Scorer – Solbakken

Norway coach Stale Solbakken has called striker Erling Haaland the world’s best goal scorer ahead of the nation’s opening match against Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The first Group I game will pit Norway against Iraq in Boston on Tuesday, with a challenging group that also includes two‑time world champions France and Senegal. Norway, however, will enter the tournament with one of the most lethal forwards in world football leading their attack.

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Haaland has been in exceptional form for both club and country. The Manchester City forward secured his third Premier League Golden Boot in four seasons and has scored 55 goals in 50 appearances for Norway.

In an interview with FIFA.com, Solbakken said that Erling Haaland is ready to make a major impact at football’s biggest showcase.

“Hopefully he’ll have a very big impact,” Solbakken said. “He’s our goalscorer. I think he’s the world’s best goalscorer. He’s physically fit, 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. I think he’s where he wants to be and hopefully the team can also give him the service he needs to score goals.”

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“If you give Erling chances, he has a tendency to score, so hopefully that continues,” Solbakken added. “We are in a very competitive group, maybe the hardest of all. If you can start with three points then maybe you are on your way. You can’t hide that it’s a very important game.”