Norwegian national team coach Stale Solbakken hopes that star striker Erling Halland will be able to make a big impact in winning the match against Iraq in Group I of the 2026 World Cup.
"Hopefully, Erling (Haaland) can make a huge impact. I think he's the best goalscorer in the world," said Stale Solbakken on the official FIFA website, monitored in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Norway will face Iraq in their Group I opener at Gillette Stadium in Boston, United States, on Wednesday (June 17) WIB. The team, nicknamed the Nordic Lions, is coming to the world's biggest football stage after a 28-year wait, boasting star players like Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and others from Europe's top leagues.
However, their first task is to face their opening match against Iraq, who are returning to the finals after an even longer absence of 40 years.
Solbakken is aware of the importance of the match and is confident his team can secure three points.
"We're in a very competitive group, probably the toughest. If we can start with three points, then we're on the right track," he said.
