The pressure on Erling Haaland has never been heavier. At 24, the Manchester City striker is the undisputed talisman of Norway’s national team, and tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Slovenia in Oslo could define his legacy before he’s even turned 25.

The stakes are simple: a draw secures Norway’s spot in the 2026 World Cup, ending a quarter-century of near-misses and dashed hopes. A loss, however, shifts the burden to the playoff route, where Belgium, Croatia, and Wales stand as potential obstacles. Norway’s manager, Ståle Solbakken, has publicly stated that Haaland must deliver—not just with goals, but with leadership.

Haaland, who has already missed two matches due to minor injuries, has trained separately with the Norway medical staff in Oslo this week. His inclusion in the squad remains uncertain, but Solbakken insists the striker’s fitness is improving. “We need him on the pitch,” Solbakken told reporters. “Not just for his goals, but for the mentality he brings.”

The atmosphere at Ullevaal Stadion is expected to be electric, with over 25,000 fans already in attendance by kickoff. Norway has not sold out a World Cup qualifier since 2016, but tonight’s game against Slovenia has drawn unprecedented demand. Ticket prices have surged to over £200 on resale sites, a record for a European qualifier.

Spectators are arriving from across Scandinavia, with busloads of supporters making the journey from Sweden and Denmark. The Norwegian FA has arranged extra security, anticipating potential crowd-control issues if the match ends in a draw. “This is more than a game,” said Oslo police chief Harald Holte. “It’s a national moment.”

Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, a former professional footballer, will be in the stands to watch his son attempt to end Norway’s tournament drought. The elder Haaland, who played for Leeds United and Manchester City in the Premier League, has been a vocal advocate for his son’s national team ambitions. “I’ve never seen him this focused,” he told local media. “He knows what’s at stake.”

Slovenia, ranked 21st in FIFA’s latest rankings, has lost just once in its last nine qualifiers and arrives in Oslo with momentum. Their coach, Matjaž Kek, has downplayed the pressure on Norway, insisting his team is ready to upset the hosts. “We are not here to defend,” Kek said. “We are here to attack.”

Norway’s path to the 2026 World Cup has been fraught with inconsistency. They began the campaign with a 3-0 victory over San Marino, followed by a controversial 1-1 draw with Finland. A 2-1 win over Denmark in June provided a lifeline, but defeats to Kazakhstan and Northern Ireland in September forced Solbakken to reshuffle his starting lineup. Tonight’s match is a must-win to avoid a playoff scenario that could pit them against some of Europe’s heavyweights.

The Norwegian government has declared tonight a “day of national significance,” with flags flying across public buildings and schools staying open late for students to watch the match. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre will be in attendance, a rare move for a sporting event. “This is about more than football,” Støre told reporters. “It’s about showing the world what Norway stands for.”