Haaland reflects on unforgettable World Cup as Norway earns global recognition
By Joel Masibo, July 12, 2026Erling Haaland’s first FIFA World Cup adventure came to an end in heartbreaking fashion on Sunday, July 12, 2026, as Norway’s impressive run was halted by England in the quarterfinals.
The prolific forward was substituted with 15 minutes left to play and could only watch from the bench as England’s disciplined defense protected its lead, sealing a 2-1 victory that ended Norway’s remarkable tournament.
Although the defeat dashed Norway’s hopes of reaching the semifinals, Haaland viewed the six-week campaign as a life-changing experience that extended far beyond football.
Coolest moment
“These have been the coolest six weeks I’ve had in my entire life,” the 25-year-old said. “It was completely crazy. These are memories for life. It’s the most fun thing I’ve been a part of.”
Played in Miami’s demanding heat and humidity, the quarterfinal tested every player’s endurance. Haaland battled through fatigue after around 70 minutes and continued pushing until he was eventually taken off during extra time.
While England prevented him from scoring in the final match, Haaland ended the tournament with seven goals, making him one of the competition’s leading marksmen.
“It was tough. It was quite special to play in that humidity,” Haaland said. “I don’t want to make any excuses. Quarterfinals are decided by small details, and we had some situations go against us.”
A key turning point arrived when Norway had a goal ruled out after a VAR review determined Haaland had fouled England’s Elliot Anderson in the buildup.
“I felt like I was being pulled the whole way, and I think it was a soft decision,” Haaland said. “If that’s a free kick, then I should have a free kick in almost every duel in every single match.”
Away from the action on the field, Norway’s supporters became one of the tournament’s biggest attractions. Their energetic “Haaland mania” celebrations and synchronised “Viking row” chant spread rapidly online, with fans recreating the motion of rowing a Viking ship while keeping rhythm with drumbeats. Haaland also joined the celebration after matches, helping Norway become one of the World Cup’s most talked-about teams.
Tournament’s impact
Reflecting on the impact of the tournament, Haaland said Norway’s achievements had inspired the nation.
“The way we put Norway on the map is the one thing that touches me the most,” he said. “I hope this gives motivation to young people back in Norway that it’s possible. It’s possible to play on the biggest stage in the world with a Norway t-shirt on.”
The quarterfinal also featured an emotional meeting between close friends. Haaland, born in Leeds before committing his international future to Norway, saw his campaign ended by former teammate Jude Bellingham, whose two goals secured England’s victory.
“Jude is a good friend… He’s such a good guy,” Haaland said. “I’m not surprised that he performed the way he did. England is lucky, [Real] Madrid is lucky, because everybody would want a Jude in their team.”
Haaland also admitted that his early connection to England remains special.
“I think I got an England jersey before I got a Norway jersey when I was young, so of course, I want England to do well,” he said.
Despite Norway’s elimination, the striker believes the national team has laid a solid foundation for future success and proven it can compete with football’s traditional powerhouses.
“I’ve said it many times, we’re building something in Norway. I think it’s already built,” he said. “We’ve shown that it’s possible to beat one of the biggest football nations in the world, Brazil. We gave England a good fight.”
With the World Cup now over, Haaland plans to take a well-earned break after an emotionally demanding tournament that has transformed expectations for Norwegian football.
“I am completely finished now, I can safely say that,” Haaland concluded. “It’s been so many impressions, so many feelings. I’m quite happy with my life. I’m in a good place,” he said.