Haaland delivers sharp words immediately after Norway draws Brazil in the 2026 World Cup round of 16.
On 1 July 2026 GMT+7, Erling Haaland, Norway's national team striker, spoke after Norway's narrow 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in the 2026 World Cup round of 32, where he was the hero scoring the decisive goal in the 86th minute.
This victory allowed Norway to reach the World Cup round of 16 for the first time in 28 years, since the 1998 World Cup, their last tournament appearance, but they will now face Brazil, the five-time world champions, on Sunday, 5 July.
Erling Haaland will face off again against Brazil's Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli, two club rivals, after his club Manchester City recently lost the English Premier League title to Arsenal in the latest season.
When asked about facing Brazil, one of the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup, Haaland straightforwardly dismissed pressure on Norway, saying, "The chance of knocking Brazil out is very small. Facing Brazil in the round of 16 is what we have to deal with now."
"We have advanced to the next round where we will face a stronger team. The match won’t be easy, and progressing further will be very difficult. I don’t know if we will succeed, but we are ready and will continue to prepare fully."
"It's incredible. We haven't reached the knockout stage for 28 years. This achievement means a great deal to Norway, and I believe the unity we've built through football will help change Norway for the better."
"This victory means a lot. Even if I wasn't competing here, I would try to watch the live broadcast, or if that’s not possible, I would definitely join the celebrations with people on the streets of Oslo."
"I hope everyone fully enjoys this moment. This is a historic and wonderful event to be part of for all Norwegians across the country."
