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Ahead of Erling Haaland and Norway playing Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, the Striking Viking was asked about his side’s chances of beating the five-time world champions.
“Um … very slim,” Haaland said.
The following day, Norway stunned the five-time champions 2-1 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with Haaland scoring both goals.
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
With Norway now in the semi-finals against an England side that almost fell apart in its last-16 tie against Mexico, does Haaland like Norway’s chances of winning the tournament more than he did before?
“Really low, still,” Haaland told reporters.
But there is reason to believe that Haaland’s dull approach is deliberate.
“I think there are some clear favorites out there, England being one of them. I think you all have to put every bit of pressure on the England boys,” Haaland said.
Haaland’s mentality 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 outlook.
“We’re through, we managed to get through, which is incredible,” Haaland said at the time. “So I couldn’t worry too much about that game now. They [France] likely to win against us, they’ll probably win the whole tournament.”
After the group stage, Norway defeated Ivory Coast and then advanced past Brazil in the round of 16. Haaland scored in both games, including two goals against Brazil.
“Playing against Brazil was something crazy for us Norwegians. And to win against Brazil and then go out and play England in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in the USA is pretty special,” Haaland said on Thursday. “And think, if you watch the scenes back in Norway, it’s not normal for Norway to be like that, so it’s super special.”
The winner of Saturday’s game between Norway and England in Miami advances to the semi-finals to face either Argentina or Switzerland.
