Erling Haaland is at the 2026 World Cup, and he has already made it count.
He scored twice on his tournament debut as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in their Group I opener on 16 June. For fans, that means two more chances to watch one of the world’s best strikers on the biggest stage.
Is Erling Haaland at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes — Haaland is leading Norway’s attack at the 2026 World Cup, the country’s first appearance at the finals in 28 years. Norway sealed their place by winning UEFA qualifying Group I with a perfect record.
He opened his account quickly. Haaland scored after 28 minutes and again before half-time as Norway came through their opener 4-1 against Iraq, with Leo Østigård and a late own goal completing the win.
Norway are in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Iraq. The group’s key facts:
- France: Two-time champions and the group favourites; they beat Senegal 3-1 in their opener.
- Senegal: African heavyweights who reached the quarter-finals in 2002.
- Iraq: Back at a World Cup for the first time in 40 years, of strong interest to Middle East fans.
- Norway: Returning after 28 years, captained by Martin Ødegaard and spearheaded by Haaland.
The top two teams advance automatically to the round of 32, with the best third-placed teams also progressing. After one round, Norway and France both have three points, with Norway top of the group on goal difference.
Norway’s remaining matches and where they’re played
Norway have two group games left, both in the northeastern United States. Both venues are within easy reach of each other for anyone planning a short trip.
Their second match is against Senegal at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, just outside New York. Their final group game is against France at the Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium) in Foxborough, near Boston.
| Match | Date | Stadium | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norway vs Senegal | Monday 22 June | New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife) | East Rutherford, NJ |
| Norway vs France | Friday 26 June | Boston Stadium (Gillette) | Foxborough, MA |
Norway’s opener was also played at the Boston venue, where they beat Iraq. If they advance, their round-of-32 fixture and location will be confirmed once the group stage concludes.
When to watch Haaland play (local times)
Both remaining Norway fixtures fall in the small hours for Gulf and South Asian viewers. Here are the local kick-off times for each match.
Norway vs Senegal
| Region | Local kick-off |
|---|---|
| UAE / Gulf | 4:00 AM, Tuesday 23 June |
| Saudi Arabia | 3:00 AM, Tuesday 23 June |
| Pakistan | 5:00 AM, Tuesday 23 June |
| India | 5:30 AM, Tuesday 23 June |
Norway vs France
| Region | Local kick-off |
|---|---|
| UAE / Gulf | 11:00 PM, Friday 26 June |
| Saudi Arabia | 10:00 PM, Friday 26 June |
| Pakistan | 12:00 AM, Saturday 27 June |
| India | 12:30 AM, Saturday 27 June |
Planning a trip to watch Norway live
Seeing Haaland in person means a trip to the United States, so sort flights and entry paperwork early. Both remaining Norway venues sit near major international gateways.
For the Senegal match, fly into New York — Newark (EWR) is the closest airport to MetLife Stadium. For the France match, fly into Boston, about 40 minutes from Gillette Stadium.
From the Gulf, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad all serve New York and Boston via Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. You can compare fares and dates on the Wego flight tracker.
The visa step matters most for our region. Most travellers from the Gulf, South Asia and North Africa need a valid B1/B2 visitor visa to enter the United States.
Travellers on a passport from a Visa Waiver Program country (Norway is one) can instead apply online for an ESTA. The US State Department lists the eligible countries on its FIFA World Cup 2026 visa page.
Apply as early as possible if you need a B1/B2 visa. Interview wait times run past a year in markets such as India, so a late application may not clear in time.
Ticket-holders who bought directly from FIFA can use the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS) to try to secure an earlier visa interview slot. It does not guarantee a visa, only a faster appointment.
For somewhere to stay, look at hotels in New York for the Senegal game and hotels in Boston for the France finale. Book ahead — host-city rooms fill fast around match dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Erling Haaland scored at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. He scored twice on his tournament debut in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq on 16 June, his first appearance at any major international tournament.
When does Norway play next?
Norway face Senegal on Monday 22 June and France on Friday 26 June. Both matches are in the United States, near New York and Boston respectively.
How can I watch Norway from the Gulf or South Asia?
In the Middle East and North Africa, beIN Sports is showing every match live on its MAX channels and beIN Connect app. In India, the matches air on Sony Sports Network and stream on SonyLIV.
Do I need a US visa to attend a World Cup match?
Most travellers from the Gulf, South Asia and North Africa need a valid B1/B2 visitor visa for the United States. Apply as early as possible, as interview waits are long in several markets.
Sources
- FIFA — World Cup 2026 Match Schedule, Fixtures, Results and Stadiums
- FIFA Match Centre — Iraq vs Norway, Group I
- UEFA — Norway at the World Cup 2026: Squad, Fixtures, Group and History
- US Department of State — FIFA World Cup 2026 Visas
- FIFA — Travel, Visas and FIFA PASS
- beIN Sports — World Cup 2026 Coverage Plans for MENA
- Olympics.com — How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 in India
- ESPN — Norway 4-1 Iraq: Haaland Scores Brace on World Cup Debut
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
