Erling Haaland features in FIFA World Cup game in New York as Norway ends 28-year drought

Erling Haaland is playing World Cup football in the New York metropolitan area, and Norway is relevant on the global stage for the first time in nearly three decades. The striker featured for Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium in a group stage match against Senegal on June 22, 2026, continuing what has already been a memorable tournament for the 25-year-old.

Norway last qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 1998. For context, Google was founded that year. The fact that they’re back, with one of the most prolific goal scorers on the planet leading the line, makes this more than just a feel-good story.

Haaland’s World Cup debut was exactly what you’d expect

Haaland announced himself on the World Cup stage the way he announces himself everywhere else: with goals. He scored twice in Norway’s opening group stage match, a convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq on June 16, 2026, at Gillette Stadium.

The Senegal match at New York New Jersey Stadium represented Norway’s second test. All three of Norway’s group stage matches are being held in the United States as part of the 2026 tournament’s tri-nation hosting format across the US, Mexico, and Canada.

A father-son World Cup story, same stadium, different era

Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, represented Norway at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Among his matches: games at Giants Stadium in New Jersey, which sat on the same site where the current New York New Jersey Stadium now stands.

That means father and son have both played World Cup football on essentially the same patch of ground in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Thirty-two years apart. One a tough-tackling midfielder, the other a generational goal-scoring machine.

What Haaland’s World Cup presence means beyond the pitch

Between matches, Haaland has been spotted touring New York City with his partner, reportedly going largely unrecognized by locals.

The 2026 World Cup is the first to be held across three countries, with the US, Mexico, and Canada splitting hosting duties. It’s also the first expanded tournament featuring 48 teams, which is precisely why Norway, a nation of roughly 5.5 million people, was able to qualify after their long absence.

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