Manchester: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed Erling Haaland as a world-class talent on Friday, saying the striker fully deserves his long-awaited World Cup debut after helping Norway qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Norway’s qualification marks their first appearance on football’s biggest stage since 1998, ending a 26-year drought — and Haaland played a defining role in the historic achievement.
Haaland fires Norway to World Cup return
In Norway’s crucial 4-1 win over Italy, Haaland scored a decisive brace, taking his World Cup qualifying tally to 16 goals — double that of the next highest scorer in the campaign.
Since arriving at Manchester City in 2022, Haaland has shattered multiple Premier League and club records. This season alone, the 24-year-old has already netted 19 goals in 15 appearances across competitions.
Guardiola: “He deserves to experience the World Cup”
Speaking before Manchester City’s Premier League fixture against Newcastle United, Guardiola praised Haaland’s extraordinary consistency and record-breaking form.
“He’s been incredible this season, breaking a lot of individual, personal, Premier League, and Norway records,” Guardiola said.
The City boss highlighted how special Norway’s qualification is, especially considering the generational gap within the national squad.
“I’m happy for his national team. Many of the Norway squad were not even born the last time they were in the World Cup.”
Guardiola emphasised that Haaland’s age, maturity, and elite-level performances make him deserving of a place on football’s biggest global platform.
“His status as a football player — a world-class player — means he deserves to experience the World Cup. He’s the perfect age, mature, and I’m so happy for him.”
With Haaland leading the line, Norway will head into the 2026 World Cup with renewed ambition and global attention.
