At Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, Haaland score brace, help Norway beat Senegal 3-2 in matchday two, stand second in Group I behind France, secure spot in next round. Final match against France decide group winner, show Haaland battle Mbappe. Both have four goals at World Cup 2026, one goal behind Lionel Messi.
However, Haaland not care about France match. "We advance, do amazing thing, so I not pay attention," striker born 2000 say. "They probably beat us, then win World Cup."
Norway striker Erling Haaland celebrate third goal in Norway 3-2 win against Senegal, matchday two, Group I, World Cup 2026, Metlife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, June 22, 2026. Photo: AP
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This is fourth time Norway play World Cup, after 1938, 1994, 1998. Also second consecutive time pass group stage. Haaland, with 59 goals in 52 national team matches, say achievement must not be forgotten amid distant expectations, warn Norwegians not be complacent.
"I accept immediately if someone say Norway qualify for World Cup after 28 years and pass group stage," Haaland say. "Norway win World Cup is unrealistic. But let all Norwegians in world enjoy because special things happen."
Man City striker say ambition is help Norway play regularly in Euro, World Cup, other major tournaments. "No matter where you from, World Cup is biggest stage, great, wonderful," 25-year-old striker add.
Norway win 12 consecutive official matches from Nations League to qualifiers and World Cup finals. Haaland proud to be Norwegian, part of special team.
In Senegal match, Haaland show great scoring skill, powerful yet delicate one-touch finishes in box. World media call him "programmed robot". Haaland say it is best thing he can do for team. "I very good at scoring, lucky. Not know how I do it. Everything come natural," he say.
Meanwhile, coach Stale Solbakken believe Haaland win Golden Boot easier if play for Argentina or France. He say: "But we play him as much as possible. Striker in high form, happy to score in big matches."
Solbakken say last 10 minutes against Senegal longest of life. Five players get cramps. Norway play with 9 or 10 men, lose control slightly, but protect result. Solbakken reveal squad changes for France match.
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