Stale Solbakken expects 'huge' Erling Haaland impact for Norway at FIFA World Cup

Norway secured their place at the 2026 tournament in impressive fashion, winning every qualifying match and defeating Italy twice on their way to reaching their first World Cup since 1998.

Their opening Group I match will see them face Iraq in Boston on Tuesday, with a difficult group also featuring two-time world champions France and Senegal. However, Norway will head into the competition with one of the most dangerous strikers in world football leading their attack.

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

Solbakken, who was part of Norway's squad at the 1998 World Cup, believes the striker is in the perfect condition to perform on football's biggest stage.

"Hopefully he'll have a very big impact," Solbakken said. "He's our goalscorer. I think he's the world's best goalscorer."

The Norway boss added that Haaland had benefited from a rest period before the tournament and was improving during preparations.

"He's physically fit, he was given a little bit of a break towards the end of the season," Solbakken explained. "I think gradually he has played better and better in training here. I think he's where he wants to be."

Solbakken highlighted the importance of providing Haaland with opportunities, knowing the striker's ability to punish opponents.

"If you give Erling chances, he has a tendency to score, so hopefully that continues," he said.

Norway's manager also stressed the importance of starting their World Cup campaign strongly against Iraq, who are returning to the tournament for the first time in 40 years.

"We are in a very competitive group, maybe the hardest of all," Solbakken said. "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."

For Solbakken, leading Norway into a World Cup after nearly three decades away represented a special achievement.

"For every citizen, to lead out his country in a game like this, especially after 28 years of hurt, that is perhaps the top thing, the number one thing on the list," he said.