Qualified alongside Norway, Erling Haaland is set to lock horns with France. The Cyborg has already dropped a few notable hints.
This 2026 World Cup is poised to deliver a fresh showdown between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. Accustomed to crossing paths at the club level, the two forwards are meeting for the first time on the global stage. The Frenchman, who already lifted the trophy in 2018 and reached the final in 2022, is off to a flying start with 4 goals already to his name. He closely trails Lionel Messi, who has already racked up 5. But while many have discussed a long-distance rivalry between those two figures, Haaland has also crashed the party. On the opening matchday, the Manchester City player netted a brace against Iraq (4-1). On Tuesday evening, the Cyborg added Senegal to his list of conquests, securing another brace during a 3-2 triumph.
With 4 goals, he has scored just as many as KM10 and is keeping pace with the rhythm dictated by the Frenchman and Messi. In the upcoming fixture, Haaland will get a better measure of his standing when facing France. It is a match that will decide the top spot in Group I. However, the center-forward prefers not to dwell on it, as he explained in his characteristically unique manner. “Honestly, I care very little about this match right now. We managed to advance, which is unbelievable, so this game does not interest me all that much. They will probably beat us, and they will probably win the whole tournament.” It seems like a tactical move to deflect pressure from his squad and heap it onto Les Bleus. Except, not quite.
The Norwegian footballer genuinely believes this, as he confessed to the media when asked about the world title. “Let’s completely forget about the idea of winning the World Cup. Let’s be realistic and just be happy today, all Norwegians across the globe.” The tone remained remarkably similar when he was invited to comment on his race against Mbappe and Messi for the top scorer rankings. “I am part of something special; Norway is part of something special. I am incredibly proud to be Norwegian.” While Haaland brushed the subject aside, the press is already building up the rivalry among the trio. “A monster threatens Mbappe and Messi,” Marca notably penned regarding the striker. “Haaland is a beast,” AS chimed in.
In Argentina, where support is firmly behind Lionel Messi, onlookers are also paying tribute. TyC Sports speaks of a “brilliant Haaland.” In France as well, pundits are awestruck by the goalscorer. Liberation notes that he “keeps pace with Messi and Mbappe.” Phenomenal as ever, Haaland now tallies 59 goals scored across 52 international appearances. Mind-boggling statistics. Yet, this hardly shocks the man himself. “Scoring goals is my specialty, and I am good at it.” He could have claimed even more during the night. “He could have scored four goals tonight; he was on fire,” pointed out his manager Stale Solbakken. While squad rotations are anticipated for Friday against France, it remains highly possible that Erling Haaland will feature in the lineup.