Norway striker, Erling Haaland, says England will carry the weight of expectation when the two sides meet in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, insisting Thomas Tuchel’s team are among the favourites to win the tournament.
Speaking ahead of the last-eight clash in Miami, Haaland also urged the media to pile more pressure on England.
“Yes, definitely,” Haaland said when asked if all the pressure was on England.
“I think there’s some clear favourites out there, England’s one of them. I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads.
“Yeah, they [England fans] should be confident of progressing, definitely. It’s England.”
Norway’s historic run
Norway are playing in their first World Cup since 1998 and have reached the quarter-finals for the first time after finishing second in Group I before eliminating Ivory Coast and Brazil in the knockout rounds.
England, meanwhile, have reached at least the quarter-finals in each of the last three men’s World Cups but have not appeared in a final since lifting the trophy in 1966.
Haaland has been central to Norway’s impressive campaign. The 25-year-old has scored seven goals in four matches, including a brace in the last-16 victory over Brazil, and has now found the net in each of his last 14 competitive appearances for his country.
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Born in Leeds during his father Alf-Inge Haaland’s time in English football, the Manchester City striker will now face the country of his birth.
‘Quite surprising’ World Cup journey
Haaland admitted Norway’s run to the last eight has exceeded even his own expectations.
“I didn’t expect it. To be honest, to be in the quarter-finals with Norway in the World Cup is quite surprising even for me,” he said.
“Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians and to win against Brazil and then go and play England in the quarter-finals in the World Cup in the USA is quite special.
“It’s difficult to take everything in because you need to kind of just play the game like it’s a training session.
“I think if you watch the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal for Norway to be, so it’s super special.”
Enjoying life on and off the pitch
Haaland has also become one of the tournament’s most popular figures in the United States, with his off-field activities attracting widespread attention.
After scoring the winner against Ivory Coast in the Round of 32, he visited Dallas to shop for cowboy hats and boots, and a video of the trip attracted more than 6 million views on YouTube in 5 days.
Reflecting on his experience in the United States, Haaland praised the tournament’s organisation.
“It’s a good thing because I like the Americans, I think they are kind of hilarious as well. They are funny, so I like the way they are,” he said.
“I think it’s just good. Honestly, on every single thing with the World Cup so far here it has been amazing. From the games to the stadiums, everything has been amazing.
“The training ground where we train has been amazing, so I’m super happy, and it’s been impressive.”
The Norway captain added that enjoying the occasion has been just as important as maintaining focus.
“I like to joke a little bit, and I like to have fun,” he said.
“I think that’s key to for my daily life to joke around and of course train good, of course focus well and prepare well but you also need to joke around and you need to enjoy the moment.
“That’s what we’ve been doing now and just as we play in the World Cup, we have to enjoy it because nothing lasts forever. We have to just enjoy while we’re here.”
