Erling Haaland helped Norway make a positive start to their World Cup qualifying campaign with a goal in a 5-0 win over Moldova on Saturday.

Norway's third and final World Cup appearance came in 1998, two years before Haaland was born.

Now, Haaland is leading a side featuring Arsenal midfielder Martin Ødegaard that has high hopes of reaching the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The Scandinavians are favourites to win Group I, which also includes Estonia and Israel.

Haaland scored Norway's second goal against underdog Moldova. It took his extraordinary career tally to 39 goals in 40 appearances for his country since his debut in 2019.

Dortmund defender Julian Ryerson opened the scoring for Norway five minutes after kick-off in Chisinau. Haaland doubled the lead in the 23rd minute. Thelo Aasgaard, who assisted Ryerson's opener, made it three before Ødegaard set up Alexander Sørloth on the stroke of half-time. Substitute Aron Donnum got on the scoresheet in the second half.

Haaland knows what it means to win the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup with Manchester City, but he has yet to lead his country to a major tournament.

Injuries kept Haaland out of several matches during Norway's unsuccessful campaign to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. The talented Norwegians also failed to qualify for Euro 2024, finishing third in their group behind Spain and Scotland.