Erling Haaland: “Norway Will Never Win the World Cup”

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has stated that he does not expect to ever win the FIFA World Cup with Norway, despite the country’s growing footballing talent and rising optimism ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Haaland made the comments in a TIME Magazine interview, highlighting the stark difference between his trophy-laden club career and his expectations on the international stage. “Norway will never win the World Cup,” he said, admitting that merely qualifying would be cause for national celebration.

“If we qualify, it would be like another big nation winning it,” Haaland added. “It would be the biggest party ever. Scenes in Oslo would be incredible.”

The 25-year-old, who recently signed a contract extension with Manchester City until 2034, continues to be a focal point in Pep Guardiola’s long-term planning. However, his outlook on Norway’s global potential remains cautious.

Highlights:

• Haaland dismisses Norway’s chances of winning the World Cup
• Predicts qualification alone would cause national celebrations
• Norway’s current squad includes Ødegaard, Nusa, and Oscar Bobb

FAQ

• What did Haaland say? “Norway will never win the World Cup,” and gave their chances as 0.5% compared to 1% for the USA.
• What does this mean for Norway? The remarks could ignite debate but may also reflect realistic expectations.
• Will this affect Manchester City? No. Haaland’s club form remains unaffected and he’s seen as central to City’s future.

Conclusion

While Haaland’s remarks have sparked headlines, they underline the challenges that smaller nations face in global football. Norway may still surprise, but for now, their star striker remains pragmatic about their World Cup ambitions.