Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken believes star striker Erling Haaland is in peak physical condition and ready to play a decisive role in the country’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.
Speaking ahead of Norway’s Group I opener, Solbakken said the Manchester City forward has arrived at the tournament fresh and injury-free, providing a major boost to a Norwegian side eager to make an impact on football’s biggest stage after years away from the competition.
Haaland, widely regarded as one of the world’s most lethal goalscorers, enters the World Cup following another productive club season. Solbakken stressed that the striker’s fitness levels and mental readiness could prove crucial as Norway seek to progress beyond the group stage.
The coach noted that Haaland has benefited from careful workload management and has shown impressive sharpness during training sessions. According to Solbakken, the 25-year-old possesses the physical strength, pace and finishing ability needed to trouble any defence in the tournament.
Norway have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Iraq. With expectations high, much of the spotlight will be on Haaland, who is set to lead the attack and shoulder the team’s scoring responsibilities.
Solbakken, however, emphasized that Norway’s ambitions are not dependent on one player alone. While acknowledging Haaland’s importance, he highlighted the collective strength of the squad and the confidence within the camp heading into the tournament.
Norway Eye Strong Start
Norway’s opening matches will be critical in determining their path to the knockout rounds. A fully fit Haaland offers Solbakken a powerful attacking weapon as the Scandinavian side aims to challenge some of the tournament’s established heavyweights.
For Norwegian supporters, the prospect of a healthy and motivated Haaland leading the line provides renewed optimism that the team can emerge as one of the surprise packages of the World Cup and make a deep run in the competition.
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