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Erling Haaland has described the World Cup as the most remarkable experience of his life, calling it a journey that has permanently changed him and his country. The Manchester City striker opened up about Norway’s emotional campaign, which ended in a narrow quarter-final loss to England, but left a lasting impact on both the team and its supporters.

Haaland reflects on a life-changing tournament

Norway’s fairytale run at the World Cup concluded with a heartbreaking defeat to England, yet Haaland remains immensely proud of what his side accomplished. Having led the Norwegian attack throughout the tournament, the 24-year-old forward said he felt both exhausted and deeply moved by the six extraordinary weeks spent in the United States.

Speaking with remarkable honesty, Haaland admitted the experience had been overwhelming. “It has been the coolest weeks and the journey I have had in my entire life,” he told VG. “It has been completely surreal, it is difficult to take it in now. You get a bit empty. If I think quickly through these 40 days, it has been completely insane.”

National pride and a cultural shift

The World Cup run triggered a wave of enthusiasm across Norway, with around 20,000 fans gathering outside the Royal Palace in Oslo to watch the quarter-final. For Haaland, the growing football culture back home means more than any single result, including Norway’s stunning victory over Brazil earlier in the tournament.

“It has been incredible. The performances are one thing. Beating Brazil is one thing, but I think the way we have put Norway on the map is what touches me the most,” Haaland said. “I think it has changed Norway. I think it has changed me. It's a bit difficult to take in such a show or rollercoaster we've been in now for the last six weeks, because there's been so much. There have been so many impressions, there have been so many emotions.”

Reflecting on fine margins in the loss to England

Haaland also voiced frustration at some key moments in the quarter-final defeat, suggesting that crucial calls went against Norway. He pointed to a contentious foul that nullified what the team believed was a 2-1 lead, and insisted he was convinced a shot that hit the crossbar had actually crossed the line. “I think all Norwegians really appreciate this too. I hope it has brought people together. We should be proud but, at the same time, learn from this,” he said.

“Ultimately, I'm just proud. I've been proud the whole way. I don't quite know what else to say, because I've talked so much here in the USA. Now I'm tired, and I think it's time to take a holiday.”

Haaland looks ahead to Norway’s bright future

Looking forward, Haaland expressed his belief that Norway’s current squad could usher in a new era for the national team, making regular appearances on the global stage. The 2024 World Cup was a milestone for Haaland personally, as he netted seven goals in his first-ever appearance at the tournament — the highest tally by any debutant since Poland’s Grzegorz Lato matched that number in 1974.

His standout campaign included braces against Iraq and Senegal in the group stage, a decisive winner versus Ivory Coast in the round of 32, and a memorable double against Brazil that secured Norway’s quarter-final berth. Remarkably, his seven goals came from just 18 attempts — the most efficient scoring record at a World Cup in nearly four decades.

“This generation is fantastic. I hope this also motivates young people back home in Norway – that it shows them it's possible to play on the biggest stage wearing a Norway shirt,” Haaland concluded.