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·10 July 2026

Erling Haaland has stated that England are still the “clear favourites” ahead of Norway’s World Cup quarter-final clash, despite his team’s strong run in the tournament so far.

England will take on Haaland’s Norway on Saturday night in the quarter-final stage of the World Cup.

Haaland has enjoyed an outstanding tournament, scoring seven goals in total, including a brace in the previous round against Brazil.

This marks the first time Norway have ever reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup. When asked about their chances of defeating England, Haaland gave a modest response.

“Really low still,” he said. “I think there are some clear favourites out there. England’s one of them, so I think all of you [the media] should put every single pressure on the English lads.”

He continued, “I think everyone should stay humble, but yeah, they should be confident of progressing, definitely. It’s England.”

The Manchester City forward, who was born in Leeds, England, but represents Norway at the international level, was also asked about the personal significance of the upcoming match.

“It’s a special game,” he said. “I think, for me, it’s super special, because I play in England and I’m born in England, and, yeah, you also play against teammates and everything.

“So, it’s a bit, it’s not weird, but it’s, I don’t know the name in English. It’s a funny game, and it’s going to be nice.

“I mean, playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians, and to win against Brazil and then go and play England in the quarter-final in the World Cup in the USA is quite special, and, I think, if you watch the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal for Norway to be, so, it’s super special.”