'We put Norway on the map', says Haaland after World Cup exit

Even though Norway’s campaign at the 2026 World Cup came to an end of Sunday with a 2-1 defeat to England at extra time, Erling Haaland hoped that their run would inspire a new generation of Norwegians to dream bigger.

"How we put Norway on the map is maybe one thing that touches me the most," said Haaland after Norway's World Cup run ended in Miami.

In the match, Jude Bellingham's double sent the English through to the last four while Haaland had a rare off day.

It was the first time in 15 competitive games for his country that the Manchester City striker had failed to score.

Haaland was withdrawn at the interval of extra time, unable to cope with the Miami heat, and watched the rest of the game from the bench.

Norway boss Stale Solbakken said his only regret was not substituting his talisman sooner.

"It was not a tough decision to take him out because he was finished and maybe I should take him out before," Solbakken said.

"We used all his energy and power for game after game. He also got a dead leg in the second half."

"He scored seven goals in five games for us. A fantastic World Cup," Solbakken added.

Norway's run to the last eight was their best World Cup showing in 28 years, built on seven goals from Haaland across four matches.

That included eliminating five-time champions Brazil in the last 16, with Haaland scoring twice in that match.

Haaland said the tournament could help establish Norway as a fixture at major finals and inspire young players back home.

His own profile has grown sharply in recent weeks, with American audiences drawn to his goalscoring and easy-going personality off the pitch.

"It's kind of difficult to take in this kind of a show or rollercoaster that we've been in now for the last six weeks," the 25-year-old said.

After the match, Haaland also paid tribute to Bellingham, his former Borussia Dortmund team-mate and a close friend off the pitch.

"I'm not surprised that he scores two goals today and performs the way he does," Haaland said.

He called Bellingham one of the best players in the world, saying England were fortunate to have him in their side.