Erling Haaland adds to incredible 2026 FIFA World Cup with historic Norway winner

ESPN Insights noted before Tuesday's match that Norway had won 16 consecutive games across all competitions when Haaland scored, and the number increased to 17 following the knockout stage result. The three-time domestic league champ has a remarkable 25 goals in his last 13 competitive international matches and 60 goals overall in 53 games.

In a World Cup where Argentina's Lionel Messi and France's Kylian Mbappe have been outstanding, Haaland is matching them as the tournament's most outstanding player. But even if he doesn't leave the World Cup with the crown, he'll always have his viking helmet (even if they don't actually have horns).

The win continues an incredible run for Norway's national team, which skated through UEFA World Cup qualifying with a 8-0-0 record and outscoring opponents by 32 goals, 37-5. But things will only get more challenging from here as it faces South American soccer power Brazil with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line. Entering the match, however, Norway has the best player.

For a nation with only three prior World Cup appearances before this 2026 run — and none since 1998 — Norway is in a golden era. And as long as Haaland remains in his prime, that shouldn't change.