‘Kane and Mbappe have scored more goals than me!’ Haaland after World Cup opener with Norway | OneFootball

Erling Haaland says he cannot be considered the best striker in the world, as Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe have both scored more goals than him this season.

The Manchester City striker scored twice in Norway’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup, as they comfortably swept aside Iraq 4-1 in Foxborough.

Haaland has enjoyed another prolific season for club and country, notching up 53 goals, including his brace last night, but the striker humbly admitted that both Kane and Mbappe are both ahead of him at present.

“And, goalscorer, I will say I’m up there,” Haaland spoke post match. 

“I don’t think I scored the most goal this season. So statistically, no, I’m not, because, I think Harry Kane and, (Kylian) Mbappe scored more goals than me, and that’s reality. So. No, I’m not.”

Norway’s impressive start to their World Cup campaign has given them huge belief of making out of a tough group, which includes both France and Senegal.

Haaland emphasised the importance of staying calm during the early stages of the tournament, with Norway facing Senegal in their second group match next week.

“I think today you saw the same, energy, I will say,” he added. 

“You have to decide this, but I think, when I think about how I play today, I think I played in the same way. So, it’s about, continuing and, don’t think too much. It’s difficult at this stage, but, focus on next and, of course, be happy. But also stay calm.”