Erling Haaland hailed as 'greatest goalscorer in the world' after firing Norway into last 16 of FIFA World Cup 2026 - 'There is no doubt'

React to this story

Norway head coach Stale Solbakken hailed Erling Haaland as the "greatest goalscorer in the world”, and said that he ”would not swap him for anybody", after the striker's late winner secured a 2-1 win over Cote d'Ivoire at the 2026 World Cup - and set up a last-16 tie with Brazil.

'No-brainer' to rest Haaland against France, says Norway boss

Video credit: SNTV

Manchester City's Haaland finished from close range in the 86th minute to give Norway victory.

Haaland has now scored five goals in three games at his first World Cup, putting him one behind France's Kylian Mbappe and Argentina’s Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings.

Haaland has also netted in 13 successive competitive matches for Norway, dating back to October 2024.

World Cup

UEFA confirms intention to boycott World Cup amid Infantino spin-off plan

30/07/2026 at 20:48

He has also scored 60 goals in just 53 international appearances, reaching the 60 mark in 69 fewer games than Messi, and 77 fewer than Cristiano Ronaldo, per The Athletic.

"He is the greatest goalscorer in the world, there is no doubt about that," said Solbakken.

"Today, he didn't have much involvement, but he had a big chance in the first half, and then scored the goal in the game. He is out of this world.

"He brings calm and a coldness to the team when you have a player like him.

"I actually think he is very underrated in terms of holding the ball up. He didn't lose the ball once today, and that brings so much to the team.

"I know he feels proud to be part of this, playing for his country, but he also knows this is a team that works together, and he needs service from his team-mates.

"To score five goals in three games at a World Cup for a little country like Norway is amazing, so all credit to him.

"And no, I wouldn't swap him for anyone."

Haaland is among a world-class group of forwards towards the top of the Golden Boot standings at the World Cup.

Below Messi, Haaland and Mbappe, are France's Ousmane Dembele and Brazil’s Vinicius Junior, both on four goals.

Harry Kane is on three goals ahead of England's last-32 tie against DR Congo on Wednesday.

Haaland didn’t have much impact on the game against Cote d'Ivoire, aside from the all-important winner, as Norway were pegged back following Antonio Nusa’s curled opener.

Manchester United’s Amad Diallo equalised after coming off the bench, and the game looked to be heading for extra time until Haaland struck.

Norway next face Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 5.

Norway are the only side that Brazil have faced but never beaten, having won two and drawn two of the four previous meetings.

Solbakken added: ”It's the first time Norway has a won a knockout game, and that is a historic performance for us.

"We will talk about Brazil later, and let that rest for today, though. I would not like to go into analysing new matches.

"We know that they are the favourites, but it is not about Brazil today, it is about us and the Ivory Coast."

Solbakken also said he thought the victory was "deserved" for his side, while admitting that he was "suffering" towards the end of the match.

"If I survive this, I will survive everything," he said.

"The fact that we are able to come back is perhaps what I am most proud of. It has been 28 years since we last participated. We have taken on the USA, and won three out of four games. Our supporters have taken the USA by storm.

"It’s a kind of suffering you probably can’t get anywhere else, [and] a feeling that you simply can’t get from any other match.

"It was a deserved win. But I feel for their coach - the margins were slim."

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

World Cup