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Erling Haaland has captured the world's heart at the 2026 World Cup.
The striker was already a soccer superstar after breaking several scoring records at Manchester City.
But Haaland made his World Cup debut this summer as Norway was playing in the tournament for the first time since 1998. He has scored goals after goals, but also made moments on the internet that had fans buzzing. He has proved to be fun-loving and humble.
Norway, a side representing a country with a population of about 5.5 million people, has impressed by making it all the way to the quarterfinals after finishing second in Group I behind powerhouse France. Whether Haaland and company beat England and advance to the semifinals, they have already made an impact that will be remembered for generations to come.
Here are our favorite Erling Haaland moments from the summer of the 2026 World Cup:
As Erling Haaland continued his ascent to superstardom, fans unearthed a rap video he made as a teenager with two of his Norway teammates. They released the song, "Kygo Jo" as the group Flow Kingz. Haaland went by the name Lyng and performed next to a barbecue grill while wearing a black hoodie with the 100 emoji all over it.
Multi-platinum producer Kygo, who is also Norwegian, saw the song and promised to give it an official remix if Haaland scored in Norway's knockout match against Brazil. The striker scored not once, but twice in the win. So Kygo delivered on his promise and released "Kygo Jo (Kygo Remix)." The song reached the top of the charts on Spotify in Norway.
Is Haaland a serious artist like Memphis Depay and Rafael Leão aka WAY 45? No. But did he bring us some joy with his teenage antics? Most definitely.
Erling Haaland scored his first World Cup goal in Norway's Group I opener against Iraq. When he slid and netted the ball, he yelled proudly, ran around the corner of the pitch with his arms to his side and his teammates jumped on him. He skipped his signature zen meditation pose because the moment was so exciting.
The international fans weren't the only ones trying uniquely American culture for the first time. Erling Haaland got himself a hearty sandwich in New York at Katz's Deli. While Norway was in the northeast during group play, the striker posted a video to his Snapchat of himself eating the delicacy. After taking a massive bite and chewing for a bit, he shook his head and then laughed at the camera in glee.
Norway marched through the World Cup bracket, surprising everyone.
When they beat Brazil in the round of 16 to advance to the quarterfinals, Erling Haaland was given the honor of hitting the drum to lead his teammates and Norway's supporters in their rowing tradition.
Martin Ødegaard pulled Haaland's hand to give him the mallets. Haaland smiled widely as he soaked in the moment.
This World Cup has been a battle of the brands and Nike went hard.
The athletic company released a six-minute video called "Rip The Script" that included the top footballers in the game along with actors, singers and more.
Erling Haaland was, of course, in the ad. But what caught fans off guard was that Channing Tatum was sitting next to the Norway star dressed in the national team's uniform with Haaland's signature bun. There is even a scene of them meditating a la the striker's zen celebration.
Tatum took it beyond the video set and showed up to Norway's group play match against France dressed in the team kit and did the row with fans.
After Norway's win over Ivory Coast in the World Cup round of 32, Erling Haaland visited a local Western wear store in Dallas.
He tried on cowboy hats, jokingly asked if there were any Nike boots and dared a teammate to brand him on the chest. It showed his fun-loving personality, a different side than is seen on the pitch.
Before the World Cup even kicked off, Norway stole hearts with their iconic Viking photo shoot by photographer David Yarrow. Haaland's flowing blond hair was perfect to take fans back in time and the best way to get the world hyped for the tournament.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cowboy hats, Channing Tatum stunt double and more: Erling Haaland's best World Cup moments
Continue reading...
The striker was already a soccer superstar after breaking several scoring records at Manchester City.
But Haaland made his World Cup debut this summer as Norway was playing in the tournament for the first time since 1998. He has scored goals after goals, but also made moments on the internet that had fans buzzing. He has proved to be fun-loving and humble.
Norway, a side representing a country with a population of about 5.5 million people, has impressed by making it all the way to the quarterfinals after finishing second in Group I behind powerhouse France. Whether Haaland and company beat England and advance to the semifinals, they have already made an impact that will be remembered for generations to come.
Here are our favorite Erling Haaland moments from the summer of the 2026 World Cup:
Fans discover Erling Haaland's 'Kygo Jo' rap song and Kygo gives it an official remix
As Erling Haaland continued his ascent to superstardom, fans unearthed a rap video he made as a teenager with two of his Norway teammates. They released the song, "Kygo Jo" as the group Flow Kingz. Haaland went by the name Lyng and performed next to a barbecue grill while wearing a black hoodie with the 100 emoji all over it.
Multi-platinum producer Kygo, who is also Norwegian, saw the song and promised to give it an official remix if Haaland scored in Norway's knockout match against Brazil. The striker scored not once, but twice in the win. So Kygo delivered on his promise and released "Kygo Jo (Kygo Remix)." The song reached the top of the charts on Spotify in Norway.
Is Haaland a serious artist like Memphis Depay and Rafael Leão aka WAY 45? No. But did he bring us some joy with his teenage antics? Most definitely.
Erling Haaland scores first World Cup goal
Erling Haaland scored his first World Cup goal in Norway's Group I opener against Iraq. When he slid and netted the ball, he yelled proudly, ran around the corner of the pitch with his arms to his side and his teammates jumped on him. He skipped his signature zen meditation pose because the moment was so exciting.
Erling Haaland enjoys a New York deli sandwich during World Cup
The international fans weren't the only ones trying uniquely American culture for the first time. Erling Haaland got himself a hearty sandwich in New York at Katz's Deli. While Norway was in the northeast during group play, the striker posted a video to his Snapchat of himself eating the delicacy. After taking a massive bite and chewing for a bit, he shook his head and then laughed at the camera in glee.
Erling Haaland leads Norway rowing celebration at World Cup
Norway marched through the World Cup bracket, surprising everyone.
When they beat Brazil in the round of 16 to advance to the quarterfinals, Erling Haaland was given the honor of hitting the drum to lead his teammates and Norway's supporters in their rowing tradition.
Martin Ødegaard pulled Haaland's hand to give him the mallets. Haaland smiled widely as he soaked in the moment.
Channing Tatum serves as Erling Haaland's stunt double for Nike's World Cup campaign
This World Cup has been a battle of the brands and Nike went hard.
The athletic company released a six-minute video called "Rip The Script" that included the top footballers in the game along with actors, singers and more.
Erling Haaland was, of course, in the ad. But what caught fans off guard was that Channing Tatum was sitting next to the Norway star dressed in the national team's uniform with Haaland's signature bun. There is even a scene of them meditating a la the striker's zen celebration.
Tatum took it beyond the video set and showed up to Norway's group play match against France dressed in the team kit and did the row with fans.
Erling Haaland becomes a cowboy during World Cup
After Norway's win over Ivory Coast in the World Cup round of 32, Erling Haaland visited a local Western wear store in Dallas.
He tried on cowboy hats, jokingly asked if there were any Nike boots and dared a teammate to brand him on the chest. It showed his fun-loving personality, a different side than is seen on the pitch.
Erling Haaland and Norway's epic Viking photo shoot
Before the World Cup even kicked off, Norway stole hearts with their iconic Viking photo shoot by photographer David Yarrow. Haaland's flowing blond hair was perfect to take fans back in time and the best way to get the world hyped for the tournament.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cowboy hats, Channing Tatum stunt double and more: Erling Haaland's best World Cup moments
Continue reading...
