Oslo: Erling Haaland’s sensational goalscoring form at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has captivated the football world, with the Norwegian striker leading his country to its best-ever World Cup campaign while reviving the role of the traditional No. 9. After another match-winning display against Brazil in the Round of 16, Haaland has firmly established himself as one of the standout performers of the tournament and a leading contender for the Golden Boot.
The Manchester City forward has combined physical dominance, clinical finishing and relentless work rate to guide Norway into the quarterfinals for the first time in the nation’s history. His performances have also earned praise from former footballers across the globe, including former India international Jeje Lalpekhlua, who described Haaland as “not normal” and “like an animal.”
Haaland’s remarkable numbers continue to grow
Erling Haaland’s statistics at the FIFA World Cup 2026 underline the extraordinary form he has maintained throughout the tournament.
His brace against Brazil took his international tally to 62 goals in just 54 appearances for Norway, an astonishing scoring rate that places him among the most prolific international strikers of his generation.
The 25-year-old has already scored seven goals in only four World Cup matches, having converted just 18 shots into goals. Such efficiency has placed him level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Even more remarkably, Haaland has now found the net 27 times across his last 14 appearances for Norway and has scored at least twice in six of his previous eight matches.
With Norway progressing deeper into the tournament, the striker has the opportunity to add to his record-breaking numbers.
Match-winning performance against Brazil
Although Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland played a crucial role by making several outstanding saves, it was Haaland who ultimately decided the Round of 16 contest against five-time world champions Brazil.
For much of the match, Brazil successfully contained the Norwegian striker. However, as the contest entered its final stages, Haaland once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of football’s most feared finishers.
He opened the scoring in the 79th minute by rising above defender Gabriel to head home a perfectly delivered cross from Andreas Schjelderup.
Moments later, Haaland produced another moment of brilliance by firing a powerful strike from outside the penalty area to double Norway’s advantage.
Brazil managed to reduce the deficit through Neymar from the penalty spot, but Norway held on for a famous victory that secured its place in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Following the match, Haaland admitted the achievement exceeded even his own expectations.
“I had dreamed of taking Norway to the World Cup, but I couldn’t have dreamt of beating Brazil. I need to pinch myself sometimes,” he said.
Teammate Andreas Schjelderup also praised Haaland’s performance, calling the striker “a monster” after another decisive display.
Former India striker hails Haaland’s dominance
Former India international Jeje Lalpekhlua, who previously watched Haaland during India’s exposure tour to Norway ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, believes the Norwegian striker is unlike any other player in world football.
Speaking exclusively to Sports Now, Jeje said Haaland has brought back the excitement of watching a genuine centre-forward.
“He looks completely different from other players. Right now, if you look at all the teams, we don’t have any proper No. 9 strikers. We only have Harry Kane and Haaland. Kylian Mbappe is also a winger, not a proper striker,” Jeje said.
The former India forward added that football has gradually moved away from deploying traditional centre-forwards, making Haaland’s success even more remarkable.
“I feel very sad when I see midfielders and wingers playing as strikers. I want to see proper strikers like before. We had Zlatan Ibrahimović, Samuel Eto’o, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Brazilian Ronaldo and so many others. But now, most teams don’t have a proper No. 9.”
“He is not normal”
Jeje reserved his strongest praise for Haaland’s physical abilities and relentless commitment on the field.
“When I saw him play, I realised he is not normal. He is like an animal. Just look at the way he beats defenders, in the air, on the ground, the way he sprints,” he said.
He also highlighted Haaland’s defensive contribution and work ethic as equally important factors behind his incredible goalscoring success.
“The main thing is that he works really, really hard for the team. That’s why he gets the goals and everything.”
According to Jeje, Haaland has become the undisputed leader of the Norwegian national team.
“Right now, he’s the boss. He handles everything and is carrying the team on his shoulders.”
Norway eyes another upset against England
Norway’s impressive performances have transformed them into one of the surprise packages of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Scandinavian side will now face England in the quarterfinals, setting up an intriguing battle between two of modern football’s few remaining traditional strikers—Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
Jeje believes Norway possess the quality and confidence to continue their remarkable journey.
“The way they are playing, I think they want to win. Norway are playing like champions. They want to win the trophy. The way they press, the way they run—they play as a unit. Whenever a player gets the ball, there are two teammates around him. It will be difficult for other teams to stop them as well,” he said.
With Haaland enjoying the finest scoring streak of his international career and Norway playing with growing confidence, the quarterfinal clash against England promises to be one of the biggest attractions of the tournament.
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