Haaland concedes France victory in advance and predicts World Cup title

Erling Haaland did not mince words after Norway’s qualification for the World Cup round of 16: the Manchester City striker predicts a French victory on Friday and, more than that, a World Cup triumph for the Blues.

Norway secured their ticket to the next round by beating Senegal 3-2 in the night of Monday to Tuesday, after already defeating Iraq 4-1 in the opening match of Group I. Haaland was decisive in both matches, scoring a brace against Senegal as he had done against Iraq, joining Kylian Mbappé among the group’s most prolific scorers.

But it was in the mixed zone that the Norwegian delivered his most surprising statements. Asked about the upcoming clash with France, he displayed assumed indifference: “Honestly, I don’t really care about this match now. We’re qualified. We managed to get through, which is incredible, so this match doesn’t interest me that much.” Before going further: “They will probably beat us and will probably win the entire tournament.”

Haaland also tempered Norwegian ambitions for what lies ahead. “Let’s completely forget the idea of winning the World Cup. Let’s be realistic and happy today, all Norwegians around the world,” he said, while highlighting the emotion this participation represents: “I’m part of something special, Norway is part of something special. I’m extremely proud to be Norwegian.”

France, for its part, approaches this final group match with the same momentum, with Mbappé also scoring two goals in two matches. The two strikers will face off on Friday, even though one of them already seems to have written off the outcome of the duel.