Norway are all geared up for their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 28 years after making it to the tournament finals for just the fourth time. The European nation dominated their qualifying group by winning all eight games, including twin victories over non-qualifiers Italy.
Leading the way for them was the ever-enigmatic Erling Haaland. The Norwegian marksman ended with 16 goals to his name, including five goals against Moldova and a hattrick against Israel. Haaland’s tally was by far the most for any team across all stages of the entire World Cup qualification process. For context, the next-best on the list were former Premier League strikers Harry Kane, Marko Arnautovic, and Memphis Depay, with eight goals apiece.
Haaland’s performances for the national team came amidst another strong season for his club Manchester City. Even though his team failed to lift the Premier League for a second season running, Haaland ended with 27 goals, equalling his tally from two seasons ago. It was still a far cry away from his record-breaking 2022/23 campaign featuring 36 goals. Nevertheless, Haaland did significantly improve his last year’s haul of 22 strikes.
The number nine also netted eight times in the UEFA Champions League during City’s semi-final run, while his three goals in the FA Cup helped the Mancunians complete another domestic double.
With the on-field exploits confirming his status as a bonafide global icon, Haaland used his platform last year to expand his footprint beyond football too. The Norwegian became a significant investor in the annual Norway Chess tournament, headlined by 20-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen. It adds to the vast sporting interests of Haaland, who is regularly spotted on the golf course and indulged frequently in handball during his formative years.
Even so, Haaland’s appetite for sports remains unsatiated. With Norway currently preparing at their base in Greensboro and their opener against Iraq in Boston still five days away, he used the opportunity for another unique sporting adventure.
On June 11, Haaland along with a bunch of teammates and head coach Ståle Solbakken took the 80 mile drive to Raleigh for the Stanley Cup finals. The visitors were rooting for Carolina Hurricanes against Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of the seven-match series with the series locked at 2-2.
Erling Haaland on Snapchat having the absolute time of his life at the Stanley Cup Final in Raleigh, NC 😂🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Ng8EEt3Xzp
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) June 12, 2026
When the cameras showcased Haaland on the big screen, the 25-year-old cut an enthusiastic figure as he fervently waved his Hurricanes towel while flashing a huge grin. Haaland’s support paid dividends, with the Hurricanes running away 4-2 winners on the night.
Erling Haaland enjoying some hockey at the #StanleyCup Final 🤩 pic.twitter.com/J1YkdnJ4Pc
— ESPN (@espn) June 12, 2026
Ice hockey remains a niche sport in the Nordic country, with football leading the race. Yet, last month Norway stunned Canada in the World Championships to win bronze, the country’s first ever top-division medal at the event.
Haaland an honorary Caniac. Beautiful https://t.co/kAT7o09MLr
— Chris McClain (@macwfnz) June 12, 2026
The sport has spiked in popularity in Norway since, and is only bound to grab more eyeballs with the likes of Haaland making appearances. For now though, the country would be hoping for nothing more than the prolific scorer to make a telling mark on his debut World Cup campaign.
