“A gift from God”—Erling Haaland reacts to his World Cup streak against Brazil
By Luke Oluoch, July 6, 2026Erling Haaland has opened up about his astonishing goalscoring prowess, revealing that he now views his lethal finishing ability as a divine gift.
The Manchester City talisman put on a clinical masterclass, netting a sensational brace to inspire Norway to a historic 2-1 victory over heavyweight contenders Brazil, storming into the World Cup quarterfinals in the process.
Speaking to FIFA after the match in New York, the prolific striker seemed momentarily lost for words when trying to explain the secret behind his ruthless efficiency in front of goal.
“That’s just how it usually goes,” Haaland explained. “If I get a chance or two, it usually ends up in the back of the net. I don’t know exactly how I do it, but that is just how it is. It is all about staying entirely focused and telling myself that the chance will come. I am starting to realise now that it’s a gift from God that the ball goes in so perfectly. It is just crazy.”
Seven goals in World cup
Haaland’s heroic display did not just eliminate the five-time world champions; it also earned him a prestigious spot in the soccer history books. With his brace against the Seleção, Haaland became the first player since West German legend Gerd Müller to score seven goals in his first four career World Cup appearances, cementing his status as one of the world’s most lethal strikers.
Despite his superstar status on the pitch, the 25-year-old admitted he felt a massive wave of national pride and jokingly revealed he would love nothing more than to swap places with the thousands of ecstatic fans celebrating back home.
Be on the streets
“We just kept pushing forward. I hope all the young people watching this interview realise that when you get a little older, playing for Norway will be the proudest thing you’ll ever do in your entire life. It’s absolutely insane. I honestly wish I were on the streets back home right now. I wish I were right there in the thick of the celebrations. It’s about having a good time, all of Norway deserves to have a good time right now.”
The striker insisted that this historic milestone for Norwegian soccer deserves to be cherished forever as a monumental day in the history of the Nordic nation.
“It is the craziest day. It is genuinely one of the craziest days in Norwegian history, and we just have to let loose, have fun, and enjoy this incredible moment. Personally, to score seven goals for Norway in the World Cup is quite special; it is unreal and difficult to put into words what I am doing, and I need to pinch myself sometimes in the arm because it is big,” he stated.
For their efforts, Norway will now face England, who beat Mexico 3-2 in the quarterfinal in Miami on Saturday, July 11, 2026.