Haaland's new obsession

From the moment he scored the decisive goal against Italy at San Siro, Norway's number one striker no longer hid his ambition to conquer the world's biggest stage. He scored relentlessly, carried the team, and placed immense pressure on himself.

World Cup is calling Haaland's name.

But for Haaland, pressure isn't a burden. It's a motivator. Balancing peak performance at Manchester City with preparing for his first World Cup, Haaland is entering a pivotal phase.

This is where personal ambition, national pride, and physical limitations intersect. And if there's one player willing to live with that obsession, it's Haaland.

The World Cup has never been a familiar story for Norway. Their last appearance was in 1998. At that time, Erling Haaland hadn't even been born yet.

Therefore, the ticket secured after the comeback victory against Italy at San Siro was not just a sporting result. It was a liberation for an entire generation.

Haaland exploded in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

For Haaland, it also marked the beginning of a new chapter. “I’m happy, but I feel more than anything, relieved,” he said. The words were concise, typical of Haaland. Behind them lay pressure, expectations, and a very clear goal: the World Cup.

On the pitch, Haaland responds with goals. 16 goals in 8 qualifying matches. An average of two goals per game. No one in Europe has done better. Names like Harry Kane, Memphis Depay, or Arnautovic are just numbers to compare. Haaland surpasses them with his coolness and consistency.

More importantly, he's not alone. Martin Odegaard sets the tempo. Sorloth, Nusa, Bobb, and Ryerson provide depth. This is no longer a team completely dependent on one individual. But Haaland remains the center. The finishing touch. The point where every pass finds its way.

A challenge for Haaland

The biggest challenge right now isn't with the national team. It's with Manchester City.

The demanding schedule, the pressure of winning titles, and the need to maintain peak performance mean every minute on the pitch drains his energy. Haaland understands this. He needs to score goals, but he also needs to stay fit for the summer.

Haaland is maintaining his excellent form at Man City.

Statistics this season show Haaland is still in control. Premier League top scorer. Top of the Champions League. 25 goals and 4 assists in all competitions. Those numbers are reminiscent of the legendary 2022/23 season, when Haaland scored 52 goals, won the Champions League and lifted the European trophy with Man City.

But the World Cup is a different world. There, every mistake is costly. Every opportunity, once gone, never returns. For Norway, the realistic goal is to get through the group stage. For Haaland, it's a bigger question: who will he be on the global stage?

Norway are in a tough group, with France and Senegal. It's a real test. And they need the best version of Haaland. Not just a goalscorer, but a spiritual leader.

"Obsession" sounds negative. But for Haaland, it's motivation. He lives with it. He trains for it. He scores for it. The World Cup is no longer a distant dream for Norway. It's within reach. And Haaland is running straight towards it, without hesitation.