Erling Haaland has become the highest-scoring men’s international player in Nordic football after his two goals helped Norway defeat Denmark 3-2 in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday. The Manchester City striker entered the match level with Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic on 62 international goals. His brace at Ullevaal Stadion took his Norway tally to 64 goals in just 56 appearances, moving him beyond Ibrahimovic’s 62 goals in 122 matches for Sweden.
Haaland’s record-breaking night was also central to Norway’s winning start in the 2026/27 Nations League. Oscar Bobb put the hosts ahead before Haaland added a second goal, finishing after being played through by Antonio Nusa. Denmark responded strongly. Mikkel Damsgaard pulled one back with a free-kick before Rasmus Højlund headed the visitors level in the second half. With the match finely balanced, Haaland produced the decisive moment in the 74th minute. Norway worked a short corner before the striker finished the move to complete his brace and secure a 3-2 victory.
Haaland reaches another international milestone
The achievement adds another major record to Haaland’s rapidly growing international career. The 26-year-old had already established himself as Norway’s leading men’s goalscorer after surpassing Jørgen Juve’s long-standing record in 2024. He has now moved beyond one of the most recognised Scandinavian forwards of the modern era.
Ibrahimovic finished his Sweden career with 62 goals from 122 appearances. Haaland has reached 64 in less than half as many matches, underlining the remarkable scoring rate that has accompanied his international career. His latest goals also continue a productive spell for Norway. Haaland had already scored seven times during the 2026 World Cup before adding another two against Denmark, according to reports following Thursday’s Nations League opener.
Norway begin Nations League campaign with a win
The result gives Norway three points from the opening round of League A Group 4. Norway’s next Nations League fixture is against Portugal at Ullevaal on September 27. Denmark, meanwhile, will host Wales on the same day as both sides look to recover from opening-round defeats.
For Haaland, the Denmark game provided another landmark in a career that is increasingly being defined by international records as well as his achievements at club level. His two goals did more than settle a difficult Nations League match. They moved him past Ibrahimovic and established Haaland as the leading men’s international goalscorer among the Nordic nations.
