Erling Haaland backs England to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Norway’s impressive run ended in the quarter-finals in Miami.
Norway, playing in their first World Cup for 28 years, took the lead through Andreas Schjelderup before England fought back. Jude Bellingham scored twice to send the Three Lions into the semi-finals and end Norway’s campaign.
Haaland, who was born in Leeds, admitted he has always had a soft spot for England because of his family connection and friendships with several England players.
“Why not? I have a few City teammates in the England squad, and of course I want England to do well,” Haaland said.
“I’ve supported them for a long time. I think I had an England shirt before I had a Norway shirt when I was young. It’s a nice country and a nice shirt.”
Haaland enjoyed an outstanding tournament, scoring seven goals and putting himself firmly in the race for the Golden Boot alongside Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Harry Kane.
The 25-year-old also matched Grzegorz Lato’s record for goals scored by a player making his World Cup debut, adding another milestone to a remarkable tournament.
Despite the disappointment of defeat, Haaland believes Norway have shown they can compete with the world’s best teams.
“It’s difficult to take in everything we’ve experienced over the last six weeks. There has been so much pressure and so much emotion,” he said.
“I think we’re at that level now. This tournament can change Norway. The important thing is to keep going because we’ve shown it is possible.”
“We’ve shown that we can become one of the biggest football nations in the world. We gave England a good fight, and in the end I’m just proud. I’ve been proud every day since we qualified and since arriving in the United States.”
