MIAMI — They arrived with high hopes, nearly achieving greatness.
Ultimately, even Erling Haaland couldn’t lead Norway to World Cup triumph. A critical effort from England midfielder Jude Bellingham and an unusual incident involving an aerial camera sent Norway packing.
If Cape Verde captured hearts with their remarkable journey to the round of 32, even pushing Argentina to extra time before a 3-2 loss, Haaland and Norway left the most significant mark on the tournament and the United States, where Stale Solbakken’s squad played all six of their matches.
This could have been different if not for Bellingham’s two goals in Norway’s 2-1 quarterfinal loss in Miami, a match marked by the debate over whether England’s first goal was influenced by the ball hitting the aerial camera—a topic likely to linger throughout the tournament.
However, when all is said and done regarding the 2026 men’s World Cup, two images will remain forever associated with the event: Haaland celebrating a goal and the team’s fans (and players) performing their iconic “Viking Row” from Times Square to the pitch at MetLife Stadium.
While Norway showcased plenty of talent, Haaland was undeniably their standout star. “He’s the greatest goal scorer in the world,” Solbakken proclaimed after Haaland’s decisive late goal secured a 2-1 victory against Ivory Coast. “I wouldn’t trade him for anyone.”
Whereas Argentina’s Lionel Messi, France’s Kylian Mbappé, and England’s Bellingham and Harry Kane enjoy a status of detachment and an acknowledgement of their greatness, Haaland exhibits a unique blend of talent and relatability, lacking the typical star arrogance.
Haaland possesses star quality and the credibility to match, but it is his down-to-earth personality and humor that have helped catapult him to a new level of fame during the World Cup, even leading to a source describing his online presence as having “exploded” during the tournament.
Haaland’s scoring ability is his strongest asset, and with seven goals in this tournament, he has matched Poland’s Grzegorz Lato for the most goals by a player in their World Cup debut. His goals have been pivotal, including a key late goal against Ivory Coast and both goals in a 2-1 victory over Brazil. Yet it is his off-the-field presence that has resonated even more during the World Cup.
Haaland’s YouTube channel, launched just last October, crossed the 3 million subscriber mark during Norway’s quarterfinal exit. Incredibly, it had only surpassed the 2 million mark a mere 12 days prior. This reflects how rapidly his fame has surged; the first episode of his behind-the-scenes documentary garnered 2.3 million viewers, while the latest episode has already reached 8 million just three days post-release.
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Pain in Oslo as Norway exits the World Cup after losing to England
Haaland has become a beloved figure online, especially in Brazil and Mexico. His departure from the tournament marks the loss of one of its most captivating personalities—perhaps even the most captivating.
Norway has playfully embraced this prominence, from the Norwegian Football Federation’s creative photo of the squad in Viking gear by a longship before the tournament to moments like fans from other nations joining in on the Viking Row. Upon their arrival in Dallas for the match against Ivory Coast, local police greeted them with their rendition of the Viking Row right on the tarmac.
“I feel like the entire nation is coming together, celebrating, having a great time in Oslo and other cities across Norway,” Solbakken remarked after the victory over Brazil. “The rowing symbolizes unity, and it’s a fantastic time to be a fan. Honestly, I believe it’s more fun being a fan than a coach.”
Now, Norway’s journey ends, and Haaland and his teammates will return to Oslo, where they can expect a monumental celebration.
Despite their exit, they have undeniably made a significant mark on the global stage, with Haaland solidifying his reputation as an international sensation. Collectively, they have truly made this World Cup their own.