Haaland fires Norway into World Cup knockouts but rules out title glory

Erling Haaland netted a brace to send Norway into the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage with a 3-2 victory over Senegal on Tuesday, but the Manchester City striker was emphatic that his country have no business dreaming of lifting the trophy.

The win moved Norway to six points in Group I, securing their place in the round of 32 with a game to spare — the first time the nation has reached the knockout phase of a World Cup since 1998, a gap of 28 years.

Haaland also made history on an individual level, becoming the first player to score multiple goals in each of his first two World Cup appearances. Yet when asked whether this tournament could belong to him and Norway, he was blunt in his assessment.

“I don’t care, we are through,” the 25-year-old said of the result. “They’ll probably beat us and go on and win the whole tournament” — a reference to Norway’s upcoming group decider against 2018 champions France.

Pressed further on Norway’s overall prospects, Haaland refused to indulge the optimism. “To qualify for the first time in 28 years and going through the group stage, yes, I would say so. To win the World Cup, absolutely not. I think let’s be a little realistic here, and let’s be happy, every single Norwegian on the planet today.”

The full-time whistle triggered jubilant scenes, with players and supporters joining together on the pitch for the iconic Viking Row celebration. Haaland described the moment as one of the most significant of his career.

“It was crazy,” he said. “Martin [Odegaard] and I talked a bit about it before the match, about whether we should join in if everything went the way it did, and it did, so a pretty special moment I would say for the whole of Norway.”

He added: “I think it is right up there with the biggest nights I have had in my entire life. I have a bit of the same feeling that I had after the Champions League final. It is incredibly huge. I am incredibly proud.”

Norway now face France on Friday in a final group fixture that will decide who finishes top of Group I. With qualification already secured, Ståle Solbakken’s side can approach the match with freedom, though Didier Deschamps’ reigning world champions will pose a stern test before the round of 32 draw is confirmed.