Erling Haaland, the Norwegian national team star, said that facing England, the country where he was born, in the World Cup quarterfinals is special to him.

Agence France-Presse published Haaland's remarks to reporters in Miami, where he explained: 'It's a special match, yes definitely. For me it's very special, because I play in England and was born there as well.'

In Norway's first World Cup appearance in 28 years, the team has exceeded all expectations thanks to Haaland's scoring instinct.

Haaland added: 'Honestly, I didn't expect that. Reaching the World Cup quarterfinals with Norway is surprising even for me.'

He continued: 'Playing against Brazil was crazy for us Norwegians, and defeating them then facing England in the World Cup quarterfinals in the United States is very special.'

He added: 'If you see what's happening in Norway, you'll realize this is not usual for us, so it's extremely exceptional.'

He noted: 'I think there are clear candidates to win the World Cup, and England is one of them. And I think you have to put as much pressure as possible on the English national team players.'

Regarding his growing popularity in the United States, he commented: 'It's good, because I like Americans, and I think they are very fun people. They are funny, so I like their way.'

He added: 'Honestly, everything in the World Cup so far has been great; from the matches to the stadiums, everything has been special.'

Erling Haaland said facing England, the land of his birth, in the World Cup quarterfinals is extra special as the aims to extend Norway's historic run into the last four.https://t.co/1uzQq6zfxP pic.twitter.com/wDZy10w3jA — AFP News Agency (@AFP) July 9, 2026