Erling Haaland has playfully turned the spotlight onto Norway striker, born in Leeds, knows he will be the centre of attention on Saturday and is clearly relishing the chance to face the country of his birth.
Haaland’s Mind Games
Speaking with a trademark grin, Haaland insisted England are among the favourites to lift the trophy and should be feeling the heat. “I think there's some clear favourites out there, England's one of them,” said the Leeds United, Haaland has dual nationality but opted to represent Norway. Facing England brings a personal edge, though he insists the pressure should be all on the opposition.
Norway’s Unlikely Rise
Norway hadn’t qualified for a World Cup since 1998 before this tournament, but they have stormed into the last eight with a blend of organisation and individual brilliance. Haaland’s double against Brazil in the round of 16 was a statement performance, eliminating the five-time champions and sending shockwaves through the tournament.
“I didn't expect it. To be honest, to be in the quarter-finals with Norway in the World Cup is quite surprising even for me,” Haaland admitted. “Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians and to win against Brazil and then go and play England in the quarter-finals in the World Cup in the USA is quite special.”
When he posed on the cover of Time magazine last year, Haaland gave Norway just a 0.5% chance of winning the whole thing. Now, after seven goals in four games, the impossible is starting to feel all too real.
England’s Quarter-Final Pedigree
England have reached at least the quarter-finals in each of the last three men’s World Cups, but the wait for a first title since 1966 continues. Manager Thomas Tuchel has fostered a close-knit environment; winger Ivory Coast, he went shopping for cowboy hats and boots in Dallas, filming the trip for his YouTube channel. The video racked up over six million views in five days.
“I like the Americans, I think they are kind of hilarious as well. They are funny, so I like the way they are,” Haaland said. “Honestly on every single thing with the World Cup so far here it has been amazing. From the games to the stadiums, everything has been amazing.”
His laid-back confidence contrasts with England’s often serious demeanour. Whether that translates into another match-winning performance remains to be seen.
How to Watch Norway vs England
The quarter-final kicks off at 22:00 BST (17:00 EDT) on Saturday, 11 July, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
UK: The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and ITV, with streams available on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
USA: FOX and Telemundo have the rights, with streaming on Peacock and fuboTV.
For other territories, not all broadcasters have been confirmed yet – please check local listings closer to kick-off.
Key Takeaways
- Erling Haaland has called on the media to “put every single pressure” on England ahead of their World Cup quarter-final.
- Norway are in their first World Cup quarter-final, having beaten Brazil in the last 16.
- Haaland has scored seven goals in four games and is one behind Messi in the Golden Boot race.
- England are targeting a third consecutive semi-final but have not won the tournament since 1966.
- Coverage in the UK is on BBC and ITV; in the US on FOX, Telemundo, Peacock and fuboTV.
Quick Facts
Match: Norway vs England – World Cup 2026 quarter-final
Date & Time: Saturday, 11 July, 22:00 BST / 17:00 EDT
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, USA
Haaland’s Tournament: 7 goals in 4 games
World Cup History: Norway’s first quarter-final; England’s 3rd consecutive quarter-final
