Erling Haaland has fired Norway into the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, their first appearance at the tournament since 1998 and their first major finals since Euro 2000. The achievement carries deep personal significance for the Manchester City striker, who was born in Leeds and was eligible to represent England but chose Norway out of loyalty to his heritage. Norway now face England in Miami on Saturday, setting up a symbolic clash between Haaland's country of birth and the nation he has long dreamed of leading to a major tournament.

Haaland, 25, scored 16 goals in eight qualifying matches and has added seven in four appearances at the finals, including twice against five-time winners Brazil in the last 16. Born in Leeds in 2000 while his father Alf-Inge played in England, he moved to Bryne, Norway, aged three, before progressing through Molde under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund. Despite his global fame, he remains closely tied to his roots, owns several properties in Norway, and wears "Braut Haaland" on his shirt to honour both parents; former England manager Gareth Southgate had acknowledged in 2020 that Haaland's allegiance clearly lay with Norway, a country of just 5.5 million people.