Haaland calls out Rooney to honour rowing forfeit after Norway sink Brazil at World Cup

Erling Haaland has turned up the heat on Wayne Rooney after the Manchester United legend’s pre-match prediction spectacularly backfired, with Norway eliminating Brazil in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.

Before the game, Rooney told BBC Sport he was so confident Brazil would progress that he pledged: “If Norway get to the quarter-finals, I’ll go on the River Mersey and I’ll row down it.” Two second-half goals from Haaland later, the former England striker was left to face the consequences.

When informed of the comments, Haaland was quick to enjoy the moment. “I’m looking forward to seeing Wayne Rooney rowing down in Liverpool. Wayney boy,” the Manchester City striker said with a smile. “That’s all I want to see now. Wayne Rooney, I expect to see you go out on a rowing trip.”

To his credit, Rooney did not attempt to wriggle out of the forfeit. Appearing on BBC Sport after the match, he acknowledged the pledge with good humour and confirmed he would follow through — with company. “I’m a man of my word. Micah [Richards] has agreed to do it with me,” Rooney said. “The only thing I’ll say is, because we’ve got a lot on, it might have to be the Hudson River when we’re in New York. If the BBC can sort that.”

The rowing theme has become a recurring motif for Norway throughout the tournament, with fans performing a Viking row celebration in the stands. Captain Martin Odegaard and Haaland himself have both led the routine on the pitch, with Haaland most recently banging a drum to the rhythm after the Brazil win.

Attention now turns to Saturday’s quarter-final in Miami, where Norway face England. The tie will produce a notable club subplot, with Haaland lining up against his Manchester City teammate Marc Guehi. The England defender acknowledged the challenge ahead with measured confidence. “I know he’ll be up for it. It’ll be a challenge, but it’s good to see some familiar faces and try and do our best and try and get a win,” Guehi said. “It’s going to be fun, it will be fun.”