Haaland proud of Norway’s rise, backs England after exit

Erling Haaland said Norway’s greatest achievement at the 2026 World Cup was “putting Norway on the map,” after their narrow 2‑1 extra‑time defeat to England in the quarter‑finals. The striker, who finished with seven goals in five matches, insisted the team’s run should inspire young players back home, calling his generation “incredible” and urging future talents to believe they can compete on football’s biggest stage. Haaland also confirmed he will support England for the remainder of the tournament, admitting he owned an England shirt before a Norway one as a child and praising the country’s football culture.

He reserved special admiration for Jude Bellingham, whose brace eliminated Norway, describing his former Dortmund teammate as “one of the best in the world” and arguing he receives unfair criticism. Haaland leaves his first World Cup having led Norway to their first quarter‑final in history, a milestone he hopes will fuel long‑term progress.