Haaland is the best scorer in the world

Norway coach Stale Solbakken described striker Erling Haaland as the best goalscorer in the world ahead of the country’s opening match against Iraq at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In their first Group I match, they will face Iraq in Boston on Tuesday, in a tough group that also includes two-time world champions France and Senegal. However, Norway will enter the competition with one of the most dangerous strikers in world football leading their attack.

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Haaland has been in excellent form for both club and country. The Manchester City striker won his third Premier League Golden Boot in four seasons and has scored 55 goals in 50 games for Norway.

In an interview with FIFA.com, Solbakken stated that Erling Haaland is ready to make a big impact in football’s top competition.

“Hopefully it will have a very big impact.

“He is our goalscorer. I think he is the best goalscorer in the world. He is in good physical shape, he was given a little rest towards the end of the season.

“I think he has gradually played better and better in training here. I think he is 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 opportunities, he has a tendency to score, so I hope that continues.

“We are in a very competitive group, perhaps the most difficult of all. If you can start with three points then perhaps you are on the right track. You cannot hide that it is a very important game.”