Erling Haaland: "Playing Against England Is Very Special for Me"
Fate has set up a very special match for Erling Haaland. The star striker of Norway will face England this Saturday in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a match that represents the biggest game in Norwegian football history and one that also carries deep personal meaning for the Manchester City forward.
Speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP) during Norway's training camp in Miami, Haaland admitted that facing the Three Lions is particularly significant.
"It's a special match, yes, definitely. It's very special for me because I play in England and I was also born there."
The prolific striker also emphasized that the squad understands the magnitude of the challenge ahead.
"It's the biggest match in our history, and we need to be at 100 percent."
The Best Haaland Shows Up on the Biggest Stage
Haaland's comments are backed up by another extraordinary World Cup campaign.
The striker has already scored seven goals in the tournament, just one behind Lionel Messi, who leads the Golden Boot race with eight. He was also the driving force behind Norway's historic Round of 16 victory over Brazil, scoring twice in a match that sent the five-time world champions home before the quarterfinals for the first time since 1990.
His performances are further proof of the exceptional form he has displayed over the past several seasons. After once again surpassing the 30-goal mark with Manchester City, he has now reached 62 international goals in just 54 appearances for Norway, making him the country's all-time leading scorer.
Beyond the statistics, this FIFA World Cup has revealed an even more complete version of Haaland. He is not only finishing chances with ruthless efficiency, but also contributing to the build-up play, constantly occupying opposing center backs, and creating space for teammates such as Martin Ødegaard, Antonio Nusa, and Jørgen Strand Larsen.
His ability to deliver in the biggest moments has established him as one of the leading contenders for the Golden Boot and the centerpiece of the most successful Norway team in history.
Norway Is Chasing More History
The squad coached by Ståle Solbakken has already achieved the greatest World Cup campaign in Norway's history by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time ever.
After surviving a difficult group stage and producing one of the tournament's biggest upsets by eliminating Brazil, the Scandinavian side believes it can compete with anyone.
Solbakken also used his press conference to dismiss rumors of an illness outbreak within the Norwegian camp.
"It has only affected our manual therapist, Thomas Ødegaard. The story has been greatly exaggerated. We have enough physiotherapists in the squad to handle the situation."
The head coach has built a remarkably balanced team. Martin Ødegaard controls the tempo in midfield, Antonio Nusa provides pace and creativity out wide, and the defense has been one of the tournament's biggest surprises. Still, all eyes remain on Haaland, who will have another opportunity to prove why he is regarded as one of the world's finest strikers.
His next challenge will be enormous. Waiting on the other side is a talented England squad led by Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka. But if Norway has proven anything during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it is that it fears no opponent. And with Erling Haaland in this kind of form, the Scandinavians believe their dream of reaching a first-ever World Cup semifinal is very much alive.
