Haaland 2026 FIFA World Cup: Will He Play and Make History?

Last Updated on: 3rd October 2025, 09:15 pm

Erling Haaland is already one of the most feared strikers in world football, a player whose presence changes games instantly. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, attention is turning to whether he will feature on football’s biggest stage.

Norway’s qualifying form, Haaland’s relentless goal scoring, and the team’s growing confidence all suggest that the Haaland 2026 FIFA World Cup journey is within reach. Yet in football, qualification is never guaranteed, and that’s what makes the road ahead so compelling.

Norway Road to Qualification

The Expanded Qualification Format

UEFA has expanded the number of European teams qualifying directly for the 2026 World Cup from 13 to 16 slots. That gives Norway a better chance than in previous cycles. If Norway wins their qualifying group, they qualify automatically. If they finish second, they may have to go through to the playoffs.

Norway Group Performance:

Norway is competing in the UEFA qualifying group, alongside teams like Italy, Moldova, and Israel. They have made a strong start, with Erling Haaland leading. The way he scored in several matches. Their early victories include a 5-0 win over Moldova and a historic 3-0 triumph away against Italy, their first in 25 years.

Their most remarkable performance came in an 11-1 demolition of Moldova, where Haaland scored five goals. These results have pushed Norway to the top, or near the top, of the group table, giving the team confidence and strong momentum as the qualifiers progress.

Head-to-Head vs Top Teams

One of the biggest competitors for Norway is matches against the traditionally strong nations like Italy in this group. Winning or drawing those games determines whether a team is a group winner or a playoff contender. The Italy win was a huge boost. But Italy, and others, will try to bounce back. The depth and consistency in those fixtures matter for qualification.

Haaland Physical Condition & Role

Fitness

Erling Haaland has shown mostly excellent fitness recently, with no major concerns limiting his performances. He continues to be a key figure for both Manchester City and Norway.

Injuries

There are no reported long-term injuries affecting his ability to play crucial qualifying matches. However, avoiding setbacks will be vital as Norway pushes for World Cup qualification.

Game Time

Haaland has remained central in both club and international games, consistently delivering goals. To feature in 2026, maintaining regular playing time and form will be essential.

Goal-Scoring Form

Haaland is not just participating in the qualifiers; he performed very well, and he’s scoring heavily. His standout performance came in an 11-1 victory over Moldova, where he scored five goals in a single match. His tally in the qualifiers is already among the highest, placing him at the top of the scoring charts in Group I.

If he continues performing at this level, there is little doubt he will be selected and play a major role in the 2026 World Cup.

Norway Squad Depth & Coaching

Supporting Players & System

A star striker is only part of the story. Norway has other strong players: Martin Ødegaard plays a key creative role. Thelo Aasgaard, Alexander Sørloth, and others provide options. In big, tough matches, a squad with depth helps when fatigue, suspensions, or injuries occur.

Also, the system under coach Ståle Solbakken matters: how defensive or attacking they go, how well they handle pressure in key fixtures, and how they adjust tactically. Norway will need more than just Haaland; they need consistency across the 11 players on the pitch.

Coaching Stability & Mentality

Stable coaching helps. Solbakken has been in charge and seems committed to seeing the campaign through. The mentality, belief, and experience in big matches matter. Norway has not qualified for a World Cup since 1998. That drought adds pressure. But recent wins, strong displays, and Haaland’s leadership help build belief.

Haaland 2026 FIFA World Cup Expectations

The Haaland 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated storylines in international football. With Norway improving as a team and Haaland already proving unstoppable in the qualifiers, fans and analysts see him as one of the potential stars of the tournament. His ability to change games with goals, strength, and leadership could make him the centerpiece of Norway’s return to the World Cup stage after nearly three decades.

Key Challenges & What Could Go Wrong

Strong Opponents & Match Slumps

Even with Haaland in top form, Norway still faces strong opponents. Italy, and others in their group, will push back hard. Any slump (a loss or draw in a match they might be expected to win) can hurt group standings. The margin for error is smaller now, even with more direct qualification spots.

External Factors: Injuries, Form Drop, Off-Field Issues:

Haaland’s fitness must be managed carefully, with Club Placer club plus international matches, and fatigue. Potential injuries are always a concern, as they could disrupt Haaland’s availability at a crucial stage. Form can also fluctuate, and even world-class players experience dips; if Haaland struggles or Norway’s midfield fails to provide service, his overall impact could decline. 

Off-field issues, such as club challenges or coaching changes, may also influence a player’s focus. While none of these are pressing concerns right now, they remain variables that could affect his path to 2026.

Final Words:

Norway is performing strongly in qualifying, with standout results such as their 11-1 final score of Moldova and a historic victory over Italy, placing them among the front-runners in Group I. Erling Haaland remains central to this success, showing excellent form, scoring heavily, and staying fit while leading Norway’s attack.

The expanded qualification format for 2026 further boosts Norway’s chances, offering more room through group wins or playoff routes. Considering their current momentum and Haaland’s importance.

FAQs:

Can Cristiano Ronaldo Still Be Part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Cristiano Ronaldo will be 41 when the tournament begins. While age may play a role, he hasn’t ruled it out. If Portugal qualifies and he maintains fitness, Ronaldo could appear, even as an experienced leader.

Will Lionel Messi Take Part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Lionel Messi has suggested the 2022 World Cup might be his last, but he hasn’t closed the door. At 39 in 2026, much will depend on his physical condition and motivation, though fans dream of one final appearance.

Is Neymar Likely to Play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Neymar’s recent years have been troubled by injuries, but if he stays healthy, he may still represent Brazil in 2026. At 34, his talent and creativity could still make him a decisive player.

Will Kylian Mbappé Feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Yes, Mbappé is almost certain to play. At 27, he will be at his peak and is expected to lead France’s attack. Unless injuries interfere, he will remain one of the stars to watch.

Could Mohamed Salah Appear in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Mohamed Salah will be 34 when the tournament arrives. Egypt faces a tough African qualifying route, but if they make it, Salah is very likely to captain his nation again on the world stage.