Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is on the verge of achieving something that no amount of titles, records, or individual awards can match: leading Norway back to a World Cup after 28 years. At just 24 years old, the most feared forward on the planet has the chance to etch his name into his country’s history—something even his father, Alfie Haaland, couldn’t accomplish as a player.

A World Cup dream and a family legacy

Since his birth in 2000, Norway hasn’t appeared in a World Cup. Their last participation was in France 1998, when young Erling was still a baby. Now, with nine goals in five qualifying matches, the striker leads the UEFA scoring charts and keeps his national team atop the group, six points ahead of Italy.

In his most recent performance, Haaland delivered an unforgettable display: five goals and two assists in an 11–1 victory over Moldova. His brilliance not only reinforced Norway’s dominance in the group but also boosted a goal difference that could prove decisive in securing a direct ticket to the tournament set to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.

The forward hasn’t hidden his personal motivation. “I’ve told my father many times that I want to be better than him,” he admitted to Time Magazine. And although he’s already won far more trophies than Alfie did throughout his career, one thing still remains: playing in a World Cup. His father was part of the squad that qualified for USA 1994, so repeating that feat would hold deep sentimental value for both.

Haaland, the leader inspiring a generation

Head coach Stale Solbakken, himself a World Cup player in 1998, acknowledges that Haaland’s presence has transformed the team. “Erling is our ultimate match-winner. He’s humble, works hard for the team, and leads by example on and off the pitch,” he said. With Martin Ødegaard sidelined due to injury, the City star has also assumed the role of captain and emotional leader.

Norway’s fate is in its own hands: if they defeat Israel in their next match and Italy drop points against Estonia or Israel, the Scandinavians could secure qualification with two games to spare. Even if the race goes down to the wire, Haaland seems ready to take another giant step in his meteoric career.

“Qualifying for the World Cup would be like a big nation winning it,” said the striker. “It would be the biggest party of all.” And with his unstoppable scoring hunger, it’s hard to imagine him missing out on the celebration.