SerpApi.Org
Erling Haaland did not expect Norway to reach the quarterfinal of the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup.
”I haven’t thought too much about that [how Norway, or himself, will perform] because my main goal was to qualify,” Haaland told ESPN’s Connor O’Halloran last month. “Honestly, now I’ll take everything as a bonus.”
So when England ousted Norway in a hard-fought 2-1 win in Miami on Saturday, July 11, Haaland was sad, but the Manchester City star maintained the same perspective he had before leading his country on its deepest men’s World Cup run in history.
“It’s been quite a row, thank you for making it so special,” Haaland captioned an Instagram carousel, referencing Norway’s now-world-famous “Viking Row.”
Haaland went into more detail during his presser following Norway’s heartbreaker.
“It’s been unreal, honestly,” Haaland said. “The performances is one thing — beating Brazil is one thing — but I think how we put Norway on the map is maybe one thing that touches me the most. I think, with the Row, with how good people we are — I think we are good people — that really touches me. We put Norway on the map, and hopefully, now, we can establish something when it comes to Euros, World Cups, and everything because our generation is amazing. And also, I hope this gives motivation to young people back in Norway that it’s possible.”
Haaland also described “how it is to be Erling Haaland right now” with his usual charm.
“After being in the quarterfinals with Norway and going straight to holiday, it’s quite nice,” he said. “I’m quite happy with my life. I’m enjoying it. I’m in a good place. It’s kind of difficult to take in this kind of a show or a roller coaster we’ve been in now for the past six weeks because it’s so much. It’s been so much impressions. It’s been so much feelings. Again, I think this changes Norway. I think it changes me.”
This was Norway’s first men’s World Cup appearance since 1998. Haaland, the reigning Premier League Golden Boot winner, scored seven goals in his debut World Cup. He can relax on vacation knowing his status as one of the world’s best strikers is secure.
The rest of us still have a few World Cup matches to watch. France and Spain will meet in one semifinal on Tuesday, July 14, and England will take on Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, in the second semifinal on Wednesday, July 15. The World Cup final is set for Sunday, July 19.
Related Articles
