Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland is a world-class player who is well-suited to playing in the World Cup.
The 25-year-old ensured Norway qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.
"He's been incredible this season, breaking a lot of individual records, personal records, Premier League records and Norway (national team) records," Guardiola said ahead of the trip to Newcastle United, as quoted on City's website on Friday.
"His status as a footballer, a world-class player, means he deserves to be in the World Cup. He's the perfect age, he's mature, and I'm very happy for him."
Haaland was the main actor in Norway's qualification, scoring two goals in their 4-1 victory over Italy last week.
The additional two goals mean that Halland has scored 16 goals in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, making him the top scorer in the qualifying phase.