Haaland makes another record and takes Norway to the quarterfinals of the World Cup | World Cup 2026

With his quiet intelligence, goal-scoring prowess and sly smile, Norway’s Erling Haaland has once again written his name in history.

“It’s one of the craziest days in Norway’s history,” Haaland, arguably the country’s greatest footballer, said shortly after leading Norway into the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup.

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A 25-year-old boy hit late he knocked five-time champions Brazil out of the competition and sent his team into the last eight for the first time in history.

Many believe that with his tall frame, big shoulders and goal-scoring ability, Haaland knows how to carry Norway when it matters most.

After being inactive for most of the afternoon and barely touching the ball, Haaland spoke at the break of the second half with coach Stale Solbakken, who told him to spend his energy and perform.

Solbakken’s desire was Haaland’s command as he headed the game’s first goal in the 79th minute and then leveled again before the end of time.

He remains well on the goalscoring list for his country with 62 to his name in 54 games, at an impressive rate of 1.15 goals per game. The long-haired manager is often referred to as the “smiling killer” in a nod to match his sleek finish and cool demeanor.

Haaland’s scoring in Norway has now reached 27 goals in 14 games, and despite being named man of the match, a humble Haaland has relegated the team’s heroics to striker Orjan Nyland.

“For me, he’s my man of the match, even though I scored. He blocked a lot of goals that would have brought us home,” Haaland told reporters after the win.

“That’s why we’re going to be playing in the quarter-finals for the first time in our history – a big credit to him.”

In the shadows of Messi, Mbappe and Ronaldo

The Manchester City striker has beaten Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot with seven goals each so far, but came from behind to join the footballing giants in lifting his country to the highest level.

The pre-match headlines were dominated by what Messi could do, what Cristiano Ronaldo could do, and what Mbappe should do.

Haaland’s greatest achievement was leading Norway back to the World Cup after almost three decades, and the Viking hero has come through the competition with strength and skill to make his mark.

The 195cm (6ft 5-inch) tall player has risen to the top of the game and is known for his humility, self-confidence and nonchalance.

“I’ve climbed a few times in this tournament, but every time, there’s a new challenge,” Haaland said after winning in Brazil.

“When I get one or two chances, they usually end up in anything.

‘This night will be remembered forever’

The momentum was not lost on Haaland when his team stunned Brazil and sent Neymar on retirement worldwide.

“Scoring twice against Brazil is something I will appreciate forever, but the goals are not mine alone,” Haaland said in a post-match interview.

“It belongs to every friend who gave up everything, every coach who believed in us, every supporter who stayed with us through difficult years, and every child in Norway who now believes that anything is possible.

“This is a night that will be remembered forever in every home in Norway. We didn’t just beat Brazil, we gave our country a memory that will last for generations,” Haaland said after admitting that the win brought tears to his eyes.

“No matter what happens next, no one can take away these feelings, these tears, or this history.”

While his teammates entered the World Cup as global household names, Haaland was a social media sensation, known for his witty Snapchat stories and Instagram stories, which made him a well-known, athletic, good-looking figure who shunned the traditional way.

In typical Haaland fashion – and, as the memes correctly predicted – the Norwegian star posted a wet photo straight from the locker room with his jersey around his neck which garnered millions of likes within hours.

‘Defenders hate playing against him’

When asked if Haaland’s strength and pace made him a dangerous player, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said it was time.

“He doesn’t waste energy chasing any ball or defenders for 90 minutes. He reads them, he waits, he understands well when the defender loses interest.

“Then, in one second, he’s gone,” Ancelotti said in a post-match interview. “You can defend him well for 89 minutes, but the ball is picked slowly, and (Haaland) is probably the best in the world at recognizing these moments.

“That’s why defenders hate playing against him. You think you’ve controlled him the whole game, and all of a sudden, he’s celebrating another goal.”

What’s next for the Vikings?

Haaland and Co face Harry Kane’s side after England pipped Mexico to the quarter-finals. A 3-2 win at the Estadio Azteca.

When Norway face England on Saturday, Haaland will have another chance to shine for his country and make history again.

But for now, it’s time.

“Everyone just needs to have fun,” he told his compatriots on the other side of the Atlantic as he steered the iconic Viking ship that is now cruising the grounds in celebration.

“Today is just a crazy day. Like I said, it’s one of the craziest days in Norwegian history. Just enjoy it.