Norway are preparing to end a 28 year absence from the FIFA World Cup, with Manchester City star Erling Haaland appearing remarkably calm before what could be a defining moment for his national team.

Notably, Haaland has avoided intense training routines and the usual media frenzy surrounding him. Instead, he has embraced a number of unusual pre-tournament rituals ahead of the 2026 World Cup campaign.

The Norwegian striker has kept his preparations simple, spending time playing golf and video games. He has also been offering fatherly advice to teammate Leo Ostigard, as the squad navigates an atmosphere filled with anticipation and anxiety in the hours leading up to their opening match, a high-stakes encounter against Iraq.

Advice drawn from personal experience, during an appearance on "Spillerhotellet" (The Players' Hotel), the Norwegian national team's official YouTube channel, Haaland could not stop laughing when he was asked what advice he would give Ostigard, who is set to miss the birth of his first child because of his commitments with the national team.

Norwegian star Erling Haaland (AFP)

Haaland's remarks

Haaland said, "First and foremost, I would tell him to be there for the birth. That would be my first piece of advice!"

The striker, who became a father for the first time in late 2025, added, "It will become a new daily routine and a challenging period, but at the same time, it is an incredibly beautiful experience."

The "Vikings" will compete in the World Cup within Group Nine alongside Iraq, Senegal, and France. Under the tournament's expanded 48 team format, Norway will begin their campaign next Wednesday with an opening clash against Iraq in Boston.

Speaking about the atmosphere within the camp, Ostigard explained that golf had become a key activity for relieving tension. He said, "We've played a lot of golf. I'm a beginner at the sport, while Erling is extremely good at it, so it has been great to spend time doing that and finding other ways to pass the time."

Haaland also revealed how he likes to unwind, saying, "Everyone has their own interests. Some people prefer playing cards, but we prefer golf. We joke around a lot and play Super Mario and Pokémon. We definitely know how to enjoy ourselves."

Haaland has not hidden his emotions about representing his country in the tournament after such a long absence. He said, "I have a good feeling about it and I'm really looking forward to getting started. I've begun to feel a bit of positive nervousness. The important thing is to move forward toward that first match, and then we have to hope that we can perform at our very best."