Norway striker Erling Haaland has assessed his team's chances of winning the 2026 World Cup as "really low" ahead of their quarterfinal match against England on Saturday in Miami. Despite scoring seven goals in five appearances, Haaland emphasized that the pressure lies with the English team, who are considered one of the tournament favorites.
Haaland's Confidence in England
In a light-hearted tone, Haaland stated, "I think there's some clear favourites out there, England's one of them. I think all of you [reporters] should put every single pressure on the English lads," showcasing his respect for the competition. The Manchester City forward, born in Leeds, is eager for the match, saying, "It's a special game, definitely. I think for me it's super special, because I play in England and I was born in England."
Haaland believes that England should remain humble despite their status. When asked if the pressure is on the Three Lions, he answered with a simple, "Yeah, definitely," reflecting his laid-back approach as Norway prepares for a historic match.
Norway's Historic World Cup Journey
Norway has reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, defeating Brazil in a stunning round of 16 match. Haaland scored in both knockout matches, including a brace against Brazil. "Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians. And to win against Brazil, and then go and play England in the quarterfinals in the World Cup, in the USA is quite special," he remarked.
The striker's journey through the tournament has been marked by impressive performances, with Norway overcoming Ivory Coast in the previous round. Haaland's contributions have been pivotal, and he remains optimistic about his team's performance, even if he downplays their chances of winning the tournament.
Upcoming Match Details
The quarterfinal match between Norway and England is set to take place on Saturday, with the winner advancing to face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semifinals. Haaland's comments reflect a blend of confidence and humility as he prepares for what could be a defining moment in Norwegian football history.
- Date: Saturday
- Location: Miami
- Match: Norway vs. England
- Previous Opponents: Brazil, Ivory Coast
- Goals by Haaland: 7 in 5 matches
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by ESPN Soccer. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
