TORONTO — Norway head coach Stale Solbakken has hailed Erling Haaland as the world's premier striker after the Manchester City star fired his nation into the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Haaland’s clinical brace in Monday's 3-2 victory over Senegal proved the difference, and Solbakken has now pledged that the team will do everything in their power to help their talisman capture the tournament's Golden Boot.
The 3-2 win, which guaranteed Norway’s progression, saw Haaland score his second double of the competition. While the striker’s finishing was lethal, Solbakken playfully noted that his star man’s tally could have been even higher.
"Today he did miss an open goal, and he could even have scored four," Solbakken joked post-match. "He is the best striker—he is not playing for France or Argentina, he scores for Norway. He's scored four goals now, two braces on the biggest stage."
Norway currently sits second in Group I, trailing leaders France only on goal difference. The two sides are set to collide on Friday, a match that will determine the final group standings. Despite the looming threat of Kylian Mbappé in the French camp, Solbakken remains bullish about his striker's chances of topping the scoring charts.
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"It's easier to win the Golden Boot when you play for France or Argentina, but we'll try to give Erling more games and more help in the next fixtures," the coach added. "He's on fire, and I'm very happy for him that he can score on the biggest stage."
For a nation appearing in its first World Cup since 1998, the atmosphere within the squad is one of historic accomplishment. The team and staff celebrated their qualification by joining the traveling fans in their signature "row" chant.
Looking ahead, Solbakken suggested that squad rotation may be necessary for the upcoming clash with France due to the intense physical toll of the tournament. "We need good restitution after a very tough game, and there will be other players who play that game," he confirmed.
From what we've seen, if Haaland stays fit, the Golden Boot is his to lose. No striker is finishing like this right now.
Haaland, meanwhile, kept the mood light when asked about the challenge posed by France. "I don’t care, we are through," he joked. "They’ll probably beat us and go on and win the whole tournament."
