JAKARTA – If you look back at Erling Haaland’s performance, the public will surely remember how the striker scored a hat-trick in his debut in the Champions League in 2019.
He also scored a hat-trick in 23 minutes from the bench for Borussia Dortmund in his Bundesliga debut in 2020.
Finally, he scored two goals for Manchester City in his debut in the English League in 2022.
It’s no surprise that the name that has been predicted to be in the spotlight at the 2026 World Cup is Erling Haaland from Norway. From the 72 group matches, it won’t be difficult to find his name on the scoreboard.
Sure enough, the Manchester City player proved his contribution in his team’s debut match. He started the 2026 World Cup brilliantly. It must be said, Iraq, who was Norway’s first opponent, had a nightmare.
Haaland scored two goals as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 at the Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium) on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, early morning WIB.
This is Haaland’s first experience at the World Cup. Before the 2026 edition, Norway had not qualified for the final round of the tournament since 1998, which means the striker spends his childhood at home every World Cup summer and sees other countries in the spotlight.
“You have memories from the World Cup. Hopefully, now we can be part of these amazing moments,” Haaland said before the tournament.
Playing against Iraq, where he scored two goals in the first half, was a dream come true.
Haaland needed 29 minutes to open the score. In fact, he was very calm at first. At the first break, he only touched the ball three times and took one shot.
However, he didn’t wait any longer. Seconds after the match restarted, Haaland made a timely run into the penalty area and greeted a low cross from teammate David Moller Wolfe to open the scoring. That was the first goal.
After an incredible header from Aymen Hussein from Iraq that tied the score, Haaland ensured Norway regained the lead by quickly pressing Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan and winning the ball to score an empty net goal. That was the second goal.
Haaland’s goal tally in this tournament will certainly be highlighted. For example, he has set a record, namely in one half equaling the all-time Norwegian World Cup goal record (Kjetil Rekdal/two goals). The match ended 4-1, putting Norway above France in Group I based on goal difference.
Speaking to reporters after the match, he did not deny when asked if he was the best scorer in the world.
“(The best scorer)? I would say I’m among them. I don’t think I’m the top scorer this season, so statistically not.”
“Harry Kane and (Kylian) Mbappe scored more goals than me, and that’s the reality,” Haaland said.
However, focusing solely on his goal tally does not fit Haaland’s true purpose in this tournament. ESPN once reported that the striker’s goal was not to set an individual record or show off his ego.
“I haven’t really thought about it (how Norway, or himself, will perform) because my main goal is to qualify.”
“To be honest, now I will consider everything as a bonus. All young Norwegians can feel how it feels to have their country there. Of course they will remember these moments too,” said Haaland.
Norway is a strong candidate to go far as an underdog team at the 2026 World Cup. After all, they won the eighth World Cup qualifier.
Haaland is not the only world-class talent owned by Norway. There is Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard who is the main creative player.
Then, there is the second striker, Alexander Sorloth, who leads the Atletico Madrid front line this season. Finally, there is winger Antonio Nusa, who is one of the most promising young talents in world football.
If they succeed, Haaland will be the heart of it all.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language.
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