"After all, they have perhaps the best player in the world right now, with the Manchester City striker netting a staggering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying games. We're used to seeing numbers like that from Haaland at club level, but he can clearly also do it without the help of Pep Guardiola and world class teammates like the ones alongside him at the Etihad Stadium."
"Still, it would also be harsh on the rest of the Norway team to say they're all about Haaland, as good as the Norwegian goal machine has been. Erling Haaland lining up for Norway(Photo by Marius Nordnes / Nordnes Foto/Getty Images) Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is another big name in this team, and if he stays fit and reaches his best form, he'll be crucial to getting the best out of Haaland by supplying him with the kind of service he thrives on."
"Together, this Norway side has gone through a superb World Cup qualifying campaign, winning eight games out of eight, scoring 37 goals and conceding just five. On Sunday, they thrashed the mighty Italy 4-1 away from home to show just how serious they are. Can Norway upset the favourites at the 2026 World Cup? Norway clearly won't be one of the big favourites to win the World Cup as there are so many other great teams involved."
Erling Haaland leads Norway with exceptional scoring form, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches and securing Norway's first World Cup appearance in 28 years. Norway completed qualification with eight wins from eight, scoring 37 goals and conceding five, and delivered a notable 4-1 away victory over Italy. The squad features proven talents beyond Haaland, including Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Oscar Bobb, Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa and emerging prospect Sverre Nypan. Haaland's club-level efficiency translates internationally, but Norway remain less favoured than squads such as Spain, France and England for 2026.
Read at www.caughtoffside.com
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