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Erling Haaland believes Norway’s impressive campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has transformed the country’s footballing reputation, despite their heartbreaking 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in the quarter-finals.
Norway’s dream run ended in Miami on Saturday after Jude Bellingham struck twice to send England into the semi-finals, while Haaland failed to score for the first time in 15 competitive appearances for his country.
The Manchester City striker had been one of the tournament’s standout performers, scoring seven goals in five matches to help Norway reach their first World Cup quarter-final in 28 years. His outstanding displays included a brace in the last-16 victory over five-time champions Brazil.
Reflecting on the campaign, Haaland said Norway had earned global recognition and inspired a new generation of footballers.
“How we put Norway on the map is maybe one thing that touches me the most,” Haaland said.
“Hopefully now we can establish something when it comes to Euros, World Cups and everything because our generation is amazing and also all this gives motivation to young people back in Norway that it’s possible to play a big stage in the world with a Norwegian shirt.”
The 25-year-old added that Norway must build on the momentum generated by their performances in the United States.
“It’s kind of difficult to take in this kind of a show or rollercoaster that we’ve been in now for the last six weeks,” he said.
“I think this changes Norway, I think it changes me. I’ve said it many times, we’re building on something in Norway.”
“It’s about maintaining this because again we’ve shown that it’s possible to be one of the biggest football nations in the world.”
Haaland also paid glowing tribute to England match-winner Jude Bellingham, his former Borussia Dortmund teammate, describing the Real Madrid midfielder as one of the world’s finest players.
“We had so much fun together and I’m not surprised that he scores two goals today and performs the way he does,” Haaland said.
“I think he’s one of the best in the world and he’s a midfielder. He still scores goals, he still manages to dribble every single player on the field.”
“It’s just praise for Jude, I think he’s unbelievable. England is lucky because everybody would want a Jude in the team.”
Haaland was substituted during extra time after struggling with the intense Miami heat, despite Norway chasing an equaliser.
Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken admitted fatigue had taken its toll on his star striker and suggested he should have withdrawn him earlier.
“It was not a tough decision to take him out because he was finished and maybe I should take him out before,” Solbakken said.
“We used all his energy and power for game after game. He also got a dead leg in the second half, so that combined with the fatigu he did everything he could.”
“He scored seven goals in five games for us. A fantastic World Cup.”
Although Norway’s campaign ended in the last eight, their performances and Haaland’s goals have raised expectations that the Scandinavian nation can become a regular contender at major international tournaments.
