Erling Haaland did not anticipate Norway reaching the quarterfinals in the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Speaking to ESPN’s Connor O’Halloran last month, Haaland admitted his focus was merely on qualifying. “Honestly, now I’ll take everything as a bonus,” he stated.
On Saturday, July 11, England ended Norway’s run with a challenging 2-1 victory in Miami. Despite the loss, Haaland maintained his initial outlook, viewing the journey as a positive step for Norwegian football.
“It’s been quite a row, thank you for making it so special,” Haaland captioned on Instagram, referring to Norway’s now-famous “Viking Row.”
In a press conference following the match, Haaland delved deeper into Norway’s World Cup experience. “It’s been unreal,” he said. “Beating Brazil was one achievement, but showcasing Norway’s potential on a global stage resonates strongly with me. The team’s camaraderie and our positive impact are significant. I hope this inspires young Norwegians and builds momentum for future tournaments.”
Haaland also shared personal reflections: “After reaching the quarterfinals, heading straight to a holiday feels quite nice. I’m happy with my life and enjoying it. The last six weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. This journey has been transformative for Norway and for me personally.”
This marked Norway’s first World Cup appearance since 1998. Haaland, who leads the Premier League in scoring, netted seven goals in his World Cup debut. Now on vacation, he enjoys the recognition as one of the world’s top strikers.
As the tournament progresses, fans can still look forward to key matches. France and Spain are set to clash in a semifinal on Tuesday, July 14. England will face Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, in another semifinal on Wednesday, July 15. The final match is scheduled for Sunday, July 19.
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