Erling Haaland has been keeping busy before Norway’s first match at the 2026 World Cup by playing golf and video games, as the team trains at their base in Greensboro, North Carolina. [1, 2] Haaland, who became a father for the first time in late 2025, has been helping teammate Leo Ostigard learn golf during their downtime. [1, 2]
Norway will play its opening World Cup game against Iraq on Wednesday, September 6, in Boston, marking the country’s return to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998. [1, 2] Haaland expressed eagerness to start the tournament, saying, "It feels good, I'm really looking forward to starting, I'm starting to get a bit restless." [1]
The Norwegian squad has been enjoying golf, video games such as Super Mario and Pokemon, and other hobbies to relax during their downtime. [1, 2] Haaland explained, "Everyone does their own thing. Some play cards, we don’t, we play golf, we joke, we play a bit of Mario, a bit of Pokemon and so on. We know how to enjoy ourselves." [1]
Haaland has also offered parenting advice to Ostigard, whose first child is expected to be born any day but will be missed by him due to Norway’s World Cup involvement. [1, 2] “Well, first of all, I would have said to be present during the birth, that’s the first tip I would give him!" Haaland said. He added, "It will be a new daily routine for him, a tough time but it's a lovely time as well." [1]
Norway is one of 48 teams competing in this World Cup, placed in Group I alongside Iraq, Senegal, and France. [1, 2] The team’s training in North Carolina reflects their preparations ahead of the group stage matches.
The World Cup opening matches began earlier this week, but Norway’s first game on Wednesday is nearly a week after the tournament’s kickoff. [1, 2] The team aims to make a strong return to the finals after a 28-year absence.
Norway’s match against Iraq in Boston on September 6 will be the first test of their tournament campaign.