Erling Haaland says he wants England to win the World Cup after Norway’s extra-time defeat.
Erling Haaland has revealed he wants England to go all the way and win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Norway’s memorable campaign came to an end with an extra-time defeat in the quarter-finals.
Norway looked on course for a famous victory after Andreas Schjelderup handed them a first-half lead in Miami. However, England fought back through a Jude Bellingham brace to secure a dramatic comeback and book their place in the semi-finals.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Haaland admitted he would now be supporting the Three Lions. The Manchester City striker explained that his connection to England stretches back to his childhood, having been born in Leeds while his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played for Leeds United.
Haaland also pointed to the number of teammates and friends still competing in the tournament. Alongside several Manchester City colleagues representing England, he said he would also be keeping an eye on teammates playing for France and Spain, but acknowledged that England held a special place for him.
The 25-year-old even revealed that he owned an England shirt before he had a Norway jersey as a child. He described England as a country he has always liked and said it felt natural to hope they succeed now that Norway’s World Cup journey has ended.
Haaland leaves the tournament with his reputation enhanced after scoring seven goals to emerge as one of the contenders for the Golden Boot alongside Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane. He also equalled Grzegorz Lato’s record for the most goals scored by a player at their debut World Cup.
Erling Haaland made a HUGE impact at his first World Cup 🔥
His goals helped Norway reach the Quarter-final for the first time in their history 📈 pic.twitter.com/GzzD9nYBkV
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 12, 2026
Reflecting on Norway’s historic run, Haaland admitted the past six weeks had been an emotional rollercoaster. He believes reaching the quarter-finals has changed how Norwegian football is viewed around the world and proved the nation can compete with the sport’s biggest powers.
— Erling Haaland (@Erling) July 12, 2026
Although disappointed by the defeat to England, Haaland said he could only feel pride. He praised Norway’s achievements throughout the tournament, insisting they pushed England all the way and showed they have the potential to become one of football’s leading nations if they continue building on this success.
