Erling Haaland still not convinced Norway can win

According to Foxsports.

Context

Norway striker Erling Haaland has stood out at the 2026 World Cup, especially after his impressive performance against Brazil. His ability to score goals and his strategic mentality are fundamental to Norway's performance in the tournament, where they look to exceed expectations and advance further in the competition.

Why this matters

Erling Haaland's statement about Norway's chances at the 2026 World Cup highlights the pressure the team faces, especially in a semi-final clash against England. Their cautious stance could be a strategy to divert attention and pressure from the Norwegian players, allowing them to play more freely. Furthermore, the surprise victory over Brazil shows that Norway are a force to be reckoned with, even if Haaland maintains a modest tone.

Main conclusions

• Erling Haaland is still not convinced Norway can win.
• Erling Haaland expresses skepticism about Norway's World Cup chances, highlighting the pressure on England ahead of their quarter-final clash.
• Erling Haaland remains central to Norway's plans.

Before Norway face Brazil in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, striker Erling Haaland was asked about his team's chances of overcoming the five-time world champions. With characteristic sincerity, he replied, "Uh... pretty low," referring to the difficulty of the challenge. However, to everyone's surprise, the following day, Norway achieved an impressive 2-1 victory at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with Haaland scoring both goals of the match. Now, with Norway advancing to the semi-finals and facing England, who almost came up short in their game against Mexico, what does Haaland think about his team's chances of winning the title? "It's still very low," he told reporters. It is interesting to note that Haaland's cautious stance may be an intentional strategy. He mentioned: "I think there are some clear favourites, England is one of them. You should all put all the pressure on the English boys."  Haaland's mentality has been quite consistent throughout the tournament. Before the final group game against France, where he was rested on the bench and Norway ended up losing 4-1, he had expressed a relaxed outlook: "We're through, we got through, which is incredible. So I didn't care much about that game. They [France] will probably beat us, they'll probably win the whole tournament." After the group stage, Norway defeated Ivory Coast and advanced by eliminating Brazil in the round of 16, with Haaland scoring in both matches, including both goals against the Brazilian team. "Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians. And beating them, and then facing England in the quarterfinals, in the World Cup, in theUnited States, it's something pretty special," Haaland said on Thursday. "And think about it, if you watch the scenes back in Norway, that's not normal for us, so it's very special." The winner of Saturday's game between Norway and England in Miami will advance to the semi-finals, where they will face either Argentina or Switzerland. Expectations are high and the pressure on England only increases as Haaland and his team look to make World Cup history.

What happens next

With Norway advancing to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, the next challenge against England will be crucial. Haaland, who has already proven to be decisive by scoring both goals against Brazil, will have to lead the team in what promises to be an intense game. The expectation is that Norway will look to surprise again, despite cautious predictions from their star striker.

Frequently asked questions

What did Erling Haaland say about Norway's World Cup chances?

Haaland said Norway's chances of winning the World Cup are 'very low'.

Who confirmed Norway's victory over Brazil?

Norway's victory over Brazil was confirmed by Erling Haaland, who scored both goals in the match.

Why does Haaland believe Norway's chances are low?

Haaland believes there are clear favorites, such as England, and suggests pressure should be put on them.

What changes have occurred in Norway's World Cup trajectory?

Norway advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Brazil in the round of 16 and had previously beaten Ivory Coast.

What did Haaland think about the group stage game against France?

Haaland expressed a relaxed outlook, stating that he was happy that Norway had qualified, regardless of the defeat to France.

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