Erling Haaland has urged Norway to celebrate their World Cup progression with joy rather than ambition, insisting the country should revel in a historic achievement rather than get carried away with dreams of going all the way.
The Manchester City striker scored twice for the second successive match as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 on 23 June to reach the knockout stage in their first World Cup appearance since 1998, joining France on six points at the top of Group I. The two sides meet on Friday to decide who finishes first. Haaland’s four tournament goals leave him level with Kylian Mbappe and one behind Lionel Messi.
Asked about the prospect of facing France, Haaland was characteristically blunt. “I don’t care, we are through. They’ll probably beat us and go on and win the whole tournament.”
He was equally direct when asked whether this could become his World Cup. “Depends on what you mean by that. To qualify for the first time in 28 years and go through the group stage — yes, I would say so. To win the World Cup, absolutely not. Let’s be a little realistic here, and let’s be happy, every single Norwegian on the planet today.”
The joy around Norway’s campaign was palpable before kick-off, with supporters gathering in Times Square in New York and captivating American fans with their famous rowing celebration, which the players recreated on the pitch after the final whistle. Haaland revealed he and Martin Odegaard had discussed joining in beforehand.
“It was crazy,” he said. “Martin and I talked a bit about it before the match, about whether we should join in if everything went the way it did, and it did. A pretty special moment for the whole of Norway. I think it is right up there with the biggest nights of my entire life. I have a bit of the same feeling I had after the 2023 Champions League final. It is incredibly huge. I am incredibly proud.”
Haaland, who has now scored 59 goals in 52 international appearances, said Norway’s achievement carried a broader message. “I want to achieve things with Norway. Again, it comes back to showing that it is possible, no matter where you come from. The World Cup is without a doubt the biggest stage. Completely fantastic.”
