Norwegian media back Haaland to end England's World Cup run in Miami quarter-final

Norway’s media have rounded on England ahead of Saturday’s World Cup 2026 quarter-final at Miami Stadium, with several major outlets declaring their belief that Erling Haaland and Ståle Solbakken’s side can eliminate one of the tournament’s heaviest favourites.

The confidence follows a seismic Sunday in which Norway defeated five-time champions Brazil, with Haaland scoring twice to move onto seven goals — joint-top scorer at the tournament. It is the first time Norway have ever reached a World Cup quarter-final.

Norwegian financial outlet Borsen ran the headline ‘Poor England’ ahead of the tie, adding that Thomas Tuchel would be “dreading the exam at Ståle Solbakken’s management school.” The publication also invoked Norway’s 2-1 victory over England in 1981 as a historical reference point. Broadcaster NRK was equally bullish, writing simply: “Now England awaits in the World Cup quarter-finals. We can beat anyone.”

Former Norwegian international Carl-Erik Torp went further, telling VG (Verdens Gang) that Norway were capable of winning the entire tournament. “I was at England against Congo in Atlanta. That defence looks shaky. I don’t fear any of them,” Torp said. “Remember that these teams are going to want to beat Norway. It is just as difficult for them as it is for us. This Norway team is an incredibly good team.”

TV 2 pundit Yaw Amankwah also pointed to England’s physical state as a potential advantage for Norway. Tuchel’s side were pushed to 101 minutes at altitude in the Azteca Stadium on Sunday, eventually beating co-hosts Mexico 3-2 with ten men. “I’m glad they got over 100 minutes of thin air up high towards Mexico,” Amankwah said. “I hope they’re tired and tender.”

England arrive in Miami as heavy favourites, buoyed by a group stage that saw them win all three games — a 4-2 victory over Croatia, a 0-0 draw with Ghana, and a 2-0 win against Panama — before their dramatic last-16 comeback against Mexico. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have been the standout performers for the Three Lions, though the red card against Mexico will have raised questions about defensive discipline.

Norway’s upset of Brazil has shifted the mood in Scandinavia entirely. Where England see a manageable draw, Norwegian football is beginning to dream of something far larger.