Erling Haaland has cemented his status as the premier goal scorer of his generation by matching a FIFA international record that had stood for over 60 years.
With Record-Tying Goal, Haaland Ends Norway’s World Cup Wait
The Manchester City striker scored twice for Norway in their emphatic 4-1 victory over Italy, a win that officially secured the nation’s first FIFA World Cup berth since 1998.
With his first goal against Italy, Haaland achieved a monumental feat by scoring in his 11th consecutive international appearance.
ERLING HAALAND ON QUEUE 🔥
THAT’S 11 STRAIGHT GAMES WITH A GOAL FOR NORWAY, TYING THE RECORD IN MEN’S INTERNATIONAL SOCCER 😱 pic.twitter.com/qz3YhVqdZX
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 16, 2025
This ties the record set by Malaysia’s Abdul Ghani Minhat between 1961 and 1962, a milestone recognized by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).
Haaland’s remarkable run began on November 14, 2024, with a goal against Slovenia. He has since found the net relentlessly through UEFA Nations League and World Cup qualifying matches.
His incredible form includes a five-goal explosion against Moldova and has been instrumental in Norway’s perfect record during this streak, with the team winning all 11 games.
This achievement places him above other modern greats. Cristiano Ronaldo’s best consecutive scoring run for Portugal is six games, while Lionel Messi once scored in eight straight matches for Argentina.
At just 25 years old, Haaland’s international statistics are staggering. He has now scored 55 goals in 48 appearances for Norway, maintaining a rate of over a goal per game.
With his first World Cup now on the horizon in 2026, the prolific striker has put himself in a position to potentially challenge Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time international goal record of 143 in the years to come.
For now, he celebrates a rare and historic scoring record that had remained untouched for more than half a century.
