Haaland's goals against Iraq triggered real earthquakes in Norway

Norwegian seismology institute Norsar recorded measurable seismic signals in Bergen during Erling Haaland’s two goals against Iraq on Tuesday evening in 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Norway won 4-1, with the Manchester City striker scoring a brace in the first half (29th, 43rd minute).

“The Bergen seismic station recorded distinct signals from the match,” Norsar stated in a statement released Wednesday. The institute specified that these vibrations clearly coincided with celebrations of Haaland’s two goals: “The most significant peaks correspond to goals scored by Erling Haaland, goals that triggered loud cheers from Norwegian supporters. When many people react simultaneously, all their movements can generate ground vibrations that are recorded by sensitive seismometers.”

The context makes the phenomenon even more striking: kick-off was scheduled for midnight, Oslo time. The two goals were therefore celebrated around 00:29 and 00:43, in the middle of the night, by supporters following the match from home or in public venues.

The fervor around the Norwegian national team is explained by a long wait: the country has not participated in a World Cup since 1998. With this opening victory against Iraq, Norway launches its qualifying campaign with flying colors, driven by a Haaland whose influence now extends, literally, beyond the pitch.