After nearly three decades of waiting, Norway are finally back on football's biggest stage.

When they walk onto the pitch in Boston to face Iraq on Tuesday, it will mark the nation's first FIFA World Cup appearance since France 1998—a moment generations of Norwegian supporters have dreamed about for years.

And leading those dreams is one man: Erling Haaland.

The Manchester City superstar arrives at the tournament as one of the most feared strikers in world football and the player many believe can transform Norway from dark horses into genuine contenders.

Head coach Stale Solbakken certainly has no doubts about the impact his star forward can make.

"Hopefully he'll have a very big impact," Solbakken said ahead of Norway's opening Group I clash.

For the Norwegian manager, the return to the World Cup carries special significance.

Not only is he the man responsible for ending the country's 28-year absence, but he was also part of the squad that represented Norway at their last World Cup appearance in 1998.

Now, more than a quarter of a century later, he will lead the next generation back onto football's grandest stage.

Haaland Leading Norway's New Golden Generation

Norway's road to World Cup 2026 was nothing short of impressive.

The Scandinavians stormed through qualification with a perfect record, scoring freely and even defeating Italy twice along the way.

At the heart of that remarkable campaign was Haaland.

The striker found the net 16 times during qualification, once again demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the deadliest finishers in the modern game.

His incredible international record speaks for itself.

At just 25 years old, Haaland has already scored 55 goals in only 50 appearances for Norway—numbers that place him among the most prolific international strikers of his generation.

He also arrives at the World Cup in excellent form after claiming his third Premier League Golden Boot in four seasons.

For Solbakken, there is no debate about who leads his attack.

"He's our goalscorer," the coach said.

"I think he's the world's best goalscorer."

Ready for the Biggest Stage

Haaland's relationship with international tournaments began long before he became a global superstar.

Many football fans first noticed his extraordinary talent at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2019, where he famously scored nine goals in a single match.

Now, six years later, he prepares to make his senior World Cup debut.

According to Solbakken, the striker is physically fresh and mentally ready after being carefully managed at the end of a long club season.

"He's physically fit. He was given a little bit of a break towards the end of the season," Solbakken explained.

"I think gradually he has played better and better in training here. I think he's where he wants to be."

The coach also stressed that Norway's success will depend not only on Haaland's finishing ability but also on the team's ability to create opportunities for him.

"If the team can give him the service he needs, he will score goals.

"If you give Erling chances, he has a tendency to score."

Few statistics support that statement more strongly than his extraordinary goal record.

A Crucial Start Against Iraq

While Haaland understandably dominates the headlines, Solbakken is determined to ensure his players remain focused on the challenge immediately ahead.

Norway begin their campaign against Iraq, who are making their first World Cup appearance in 40 years.

Despite entering the match as favourites, Solbakken refused to underestimate their opponents.

The Norwegian boss knows how important a strong start could be in a group that also contains France and Senegal.

Many observers consider Group I one of the most competitive groups in the entire tournament, making every point potentially decisive.

"We are in a very competitive group, maybe the hardest of all," Solbakken admitted.

"If you can start with three points, then maybe you are on your way.

"You can't hide the fact that it's a very important game."

A victory would immediately place Norway in a strong position ahead of daunting encounters against two of the strongest teams in the competition.

A Proud Moment for an Entire Nation

For Solbakken, Tuesday's match represents more than just another football game.

It is the culmination of years of work, disappointment and determination.

Norway have watched World Cups from home for nearly three decades while generations of talented players failed to end the country's absence from the tournament.

Now, with one of the world's best strikers leading the line and a talented squad full of belief, the nation finally has its place back among football's elite.

As kickoff approaches in Boston, Solbakken admits the occasion carries enormous emotional significance.

"For every citizen, to lead out his country in a game like this, especially after 28 years of hurt, that is perhaps the top thing," he said.

"Number one on the list."

After 28 years away, Norway's World Cup journey begins again.

And with Erling Haaland leading the charge, hope has rarely been higher.