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World Cup: Haaland declares ‘I want England to do well’ after Norway elimination
12th July, 2026 04:55 PM
Norway striker Erling Haaland has remained non-committal on whether he would shift his support to England after Norway’s elimination from the World Cup on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
The prolific striker’s first-ever World Cup came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday, July 12, 2026, as Norway’s impressive run was halted by England in the quarterfinals.
The Manchester City 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.
Speaking after the defeat, the Leeds-born player, who committed his international future to Norway, was noncommittal about whether he would be backing his two clubmates and England to go all the way.
England connections
“I have got my City teammates here, that’s true. I grew up in England, and the first shirt I ever owned was an England one. It is a special country. But I have teammates from France and Spain too,” he pointed out with a wry smile.
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.
The striker, who has been among the big-name strikers to take the competition by storm, also reflected on his overall run and adventure in North America with pride.
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.”
He also hailed the impact of his former teammate at Dortmund, Jude Bellingham, whose double sent the Viking nation packing.
“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 on their team.”
