Aune Heggebo says watching Erling Haaland and former West Bromwich Albion team-mate Torbjorn Heggem create history for Norway at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been “inspirational” and “so unreal”.
A nation united by football
The West Brom striker, who has two senior caps for Norway, spoke to BBC Radio WM about the wave of euphoria sweeping his homeland after the Scandinavians reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.
“I get a bit of FOMO from the people living in Norway because it’s complete madness going on in the streets,” Heggebo said. “It was a piece of Norwegian history – Norway beating Brazil there. It’s inspirational and so unreal to watch the Norwegian team perform.”
Haaland’s brace in the 2-1 last-16 victory over five-time winners Brazil – his seventh goal of the tournament – sent shockwaves through the football world, but for Heggebo it carried an even deeper significance.
“You’ve got the whole of the Norwegian population following the national team now. It’s like even people that don’t follow football have started to fall in love with it,” he added. “It’s definitely bringing the whole nation together, and I don’t think people saw it coming. To follow as a fan it’s so fun; it’s putting Norway on the map and is so great for the country’s spirit.”
Learning from the best
Heggebo made his international debut as a late substitute in a World Cup qualifier against Moldova, replacing Haaland who had scored five in Norway’s 11-1 rout. The 23-year-old admitted that moment remains a career highlight.
“It’s definitely a big inspiration. He shows anything is possible, definitely,” Heggebo said of Haaland. “The standards he’s been delivering for over so many years, it’s crazy. He’s probably the most extreme level of celebrity or sporting person we’ve had in Norway ever.”
However, Heggebo was quick to stress the collective strength of the team, pointing to the impressive performances of individuals like Heggem, who departed The Hawthorns for Bologna in a £10 million move last summer.
“He’s been outstanding, and his journey from Norway into Sweden and then England and Italy and playing in the World Cup now – it’s an amazing story,” Heggebo said. “His professionalism and his football knowledge are so good, and his desire to become better as well. The ceiling for him is high.”
Quietening Kane: Heggem’s next test
England’s quarter-final clash with Norway in Miami on Saturday promises to be a blockbuster, pitting Premier League golden boot rivals Haaland and Harry Kane against each other. Heggebo is backing his former Albion colleague Heggem to limit the England captain’s influence.
“I think he’ll have him in control. What a game it will be. Can’t wait,” he predicted.
Heggebo, who scored 10 goals for West Brom last season, harbours ambitions of one day featuring in such high-stakes encounters.
“It would be a dream to play for this team,” he said. “The whole team as a unit is performing at such a high level – you have the superstars, but I think that’s the most impressive thing: how they’re doing it as well.”
Quick Facts
Erling Haaland’s World Cup goals: 7 (tournament leader)
Torbjorn Heggem transfer: Joined Bologna from West Brom for £10m (August 2025)
Aune Heggebo’s 2025-26: West Brom top scorer with 10 goals
Norway’s last-16 result: Beat Brazil 2-1 (Haaland brace)
Next fixture: Norway vs England – World Cup quarter-final, Miami, Saturday
Key Takeaways
- Aune Heggebo describes Haaland and Heggem’s World Cup feats as “inspirational” and a source of immense national pride.
- The West Brom striker recalls replacing Haaland on his international debut as a career highlight and a lesson in elite standards.
- Heggebo backs former Baggies team-mate Heggem to successfully contain Harry Kane in the quarter-final against England.
- Norway’s historic run has captured the imagination of the entire population, uniting the country behind the national team.
- Heggebo dreams of forcing his way into the side for future tournaments, impressed by the team’s cohesion beyond the superstar names.
