Before Erling Haaland and Norway played Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16, the Striking Viking was asked about his squad’s chance of beating the five-time world champions.
“Uh … very slim,” Haaland said.
The next day, Norway stunned the five-time champions 2-1 at New York New Jersey Stadium, and Haaland scored both goals.
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
With Norway now in the semifinals against an England team that nearly fell apart in its round of 16 matchup vs. Mexico, does Haaland like Norway’s chances of winning the tournament any more than he did before?
“Really low, still,” Haaland told reporters.
But there’s reason to believe Haaland’s coy approach is intentional.
“I think there’s some clear favorites out there, England’s one of them. I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads,” Haaland said.
Haaland’s menality has been consistent throughout the tournament. Ahead of Norway’s final group stage match against France, where Haaland was rested on the bench and France won 4-1, he expressed a relaxed perspective.
“We’re through, we managed to get through, which is incredible,” Haaland said at the time. “So I couldn’t care too much about that game now. They [France] are in all probability going to win in opposition to us, they’re in all probability going to win the entire match.”
Following the group stage, Norway defeated Ivory Coast after which superior previous Brazil within the spherical of 16. Haaland scored in each matches, together with two targets in opposition to Brazil.
“Taking part in in opposition to Brazil was form of loopy for us Norwegians. And to win in opposition to Brazil, after which go and play England within the quarterfinals within the World Cup, within the USA is sort of particular,” Haaland stated on Thursday. “And assume in case you watch the scenes again in Norway, this isn’t regular for Norway to be, so it is tremendous particular.”
The winner of Saturday’s match between Norway and England in Miami will advance to the semifinals to face both Argentina or Switzerland.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
