Confident Haaland closing in on record after getting World Cup campaign off to a great start

"I have to tell him that I'm coming for that record. That's fun. I'm going to send him a little message", said Erling Braut Haaland to VG.no after the match.

Norway now leads the World Cup Group I on goal difference ahead of France after the first of three group matches at the World Cup.

"It's great to debut in the World Cup and score two goals and win the match. I'm super happy. It was fun", said Haaland after the match.

The Manchester City striker scored his 56th and 57th international goals in Norway’s first appearance in the tournament in 28 years, since qualifying for the knockout round at the 1998 World Cup in France, before Haaland was born.

Haaland said he is anxious to meet the expectations he created with this performance.

“Of course I will try,” Haaland said. “It’s about continuing and not thinking too much. It’s difficult at this stage. But I’ll focus on the next game. And of course, be happy. But also stay calm.”

"Look at the efficiency. Two goals. It was a mistake from the goalkeeper, but still a good goal", said former Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who works as an expert for American broadcaster Fox during the half-time break.

"The first goal was nice, and the second even better", Haaland said subsequently to the channel.

Norway's second game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is against Senegal on Monday, June 22, 2026