Haaland’s 66-goal landmark keeps him within reach of Europe’s 2026 scoring leaders

Erling Haaland scored in Norway’s 3-1 victory over Wales on Saturday to reach 66 international goals in 60 appearances, strengthening his position among Europe’s leading scorers for national teams in 2026.

The Manchester City striker converted a penalty in the 88th minute to complete Norway’s victory in the fifth round of the UEFA Nations League group stage. Antonio Nusa opened the scoring in the 59th minute before Andreas Schjelderup doubled Norway’s advantage nine minutes later. David Brooks pulled one back for Wales in the 79th minute.

Haaland has now scored 11 goals for Norway during 2026, placing him third in the European scoring standings for senior international sides.

He trails France forward Kylian Mbappe and Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, who are level on 12 goals in second place. England captain Harry Kane leads the list with 14 goals after winning the Ballon d’Or.

Gyokeres, who plays for Arsenal, scored twice against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday to move level with Mbappe.

Haaland’s latest international goal also underlined the exceptional rate at which he has scored for Norway. His 66 goals in 60 matches give him an average of more than one goal per game, a rare achievement in international football.

According to French network Stats Foot, Haaland is the first European player since Germany great Gerd Muller to score 66 goals within his first 60 appearances for a senior national team.

Muller reached the same total in his 59th international match during the period before the 1974 World Cup, although he did not score in his 60th appearance.

Haaland has also maintained a scoring rate of more than one goal per match in the UEFA Champions League.

UEFA statistics show that he has scored 61 goals in 60 appearances in the competition. Among players with at least 20 goals in both the Champions League and senior international football, he is one of those to have sustained that average in both settings.

Norway’s win moved them to six points and third place in their group. They will face second-placed Denmark, who have nine points, in their final group match. Portugal lead the standings with 12 points.