Erling Haaland and Norway eliminated by England in World Cup quarter‑final loss
Norway reached the quarter‑finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time, a historic run propelled by striker Erling Haaland, who finished the tournament with seven goals. After a dramatic 2‑1 extra‑time defeat to England at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Norway’s campaign ended.
Haaland, who was substituted late in extra time, said the tournament had “put Norway on the map” and praised England’s Jude Bellingham, noting he had a shirt with the English colours before his Norwegian one. He expressed pride in the team’s achievement and urged young Norwegians to aim higher in future Euros and World Cups.
The loss sparked widespread fan reactions: Norwegian supporters celebrated the run despite the exit, while social‑media commentary ranged from admiration to criticism of teammate Alexander Sorloth’s decision to shoot rather than pass to Haaland, for which Sorloth later apologised. Haaland’s father humorously thanked the referee, and the team’s coach Ståle Solbakken praised the collective effort. Nike’s Haaland collection and viral “Viking Row” fan ritual underscored the cultural impact of the campaign.