At Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, Haaland scored two goals, helping Norway defeat Senegal 3-2 in their second group I match. This victory secured Norway's second-place position behind France and guaranteed their advancement to the knockout stage. The upcoming match against France will determine the group winner and feature a highly anticipated showdown between Haaland and Mbappe. Both players have 4 goals at the 2026 World Cup, just one behind Lionel Messi.

Haaland, however, is not focused on the encounter with France. "We have advanced, we've done something incredible, so I'm not paying too much attention anymore," said the striker, born in 2000. "They will probably beat us and then win the World Cup."

Norway striker Erling Haaland celebrates the third goal during Norway's 3-2 victory over Senegal in their second group I match at the 2026 World Cup, held at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, US on 22/6/2026. Photo: AP

This marks Norway's 4th World Cup appearance, following 1938, 1994, and 1998, and their second consecutive time advancing past the group stage. Haaland, who has scored 59 goals in 52 matches for the national team, emphasized that this achievement should not be overlooked amid unrealistic expectations, and that Norwegians should not become complacent.

"I would immediately agree if someone said Norway qualified for the World Cup after 28 years and advanced past the group stage," Haaland stated. "Norway winning the World Cup is a bit unrealistic. But let's just enjoy it with all Norwegians around the world because something special has just happened."

The Manchester City striker later stated his ambition is to help Norway consistently qualify for the Euro finals, World Cup, and other major tournaments. "No matter where you come from, the World Cup is still the biggest stage, incredibly grand and wonderful," the 25-year-old striker added.

Norway has won 12 consecutive official matches, spanning from the Nations League to World Cup qualifiers and the finals. Haaland expressed his pride in being Norwegian and a part of this special team.

In the match against Senegal, Haaland displayed remarkable scoring ability, executing powerful yet subtle one-touch finishes inside the penalty area. Global media likened him to a "programmed robot", but Haaland simply believes it's the best he can contribute to the team. "I'm simply very good at scoring goals and quite lucky. I don't know how I do it. Everything just happens naturally," he said.

Meanwhile, coach Stale Solbakken believes Haaland would become the top scorer more easily if he played for Argentina or France. He said: "But we will let him play as much as possible. A striker in top form and happy to score in important matches."

Solbakken also shared that the final 10 minutes against Senegal were the longest of his life. Around five players suffered cramps, leaving Norway with only 9 or 10 players on the field at times. This led to a slight loss of control, but they still preserved the result. Therefore, Solbakken revealed there would be some personnel adjustments for the match against France.

By Trung Thu