Haaland: I never thought this World Cup run was possible

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·6 Juli 2026

Haaland: I never thought this World Cup run was possible

Erling Haaland says he can’t quite believe what he and Norway have achieved by reaching the World Cup quarter-finals.

The 25-year-old City striker was the star man in their Round of 16 defeat of five-time winners Brazil, scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory.

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His first came in the 79th minute, beating Arsenal defender Gabriel to a header and flicking past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.

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The second came on the cusp of added time, with a low left-footed strike from the edge of the box.

A late, late Neymar penalty gave the Selecao some hope, but Haaland and Norway held on for a famous victory in New Jersey.

Having qualified for the tournament for the first time since 1998 and never previously won a knockout fixture in their three prior appearances, Norway have made history.

Now, they’ll face England in Miami at 22:00 (UK) on Saturday for a place in the last four.

The magnitude of their achievement is not lost on Haaland.

“I couldn’t quite believe it,” he said.

“I didn’t dream of this in my life. I dreamt of playing in the World Cup with Norway but not to win against Brazil, let’s be honest and say that.

“I thought it was not possible to do some things but I guess I am wrong.

“It’s a bit surreal to be in the moment in the World Cup, you want to be here and to perform but to score seven goals for Norway in the World Cup is quite special.

“I don’t have words because it is unreal. I need to pinch myself sometimes in the arm because it’s big.”

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Now in the last eight of the competition and full of confidence after victories over the likes of Ivory Coast and Senegal as well as Brazil, Haaland doesn’t yet feel the journey is over.

“We’ve been growing over time and the way we played today shows that Norway is a fantastic football team and we’re actually one of the better teams in Europe and the world,” he said.

“What we’ve been doing is amazing and it took 28 years, that’s some time.

“I’m 25 so you can’t blame me for that but you can blame me for coming here.

“I’m so proud of my country and everyone.”