Erling Haaland Makes Bold France Prediction After Firing Norway Into World Cup Knockouts
- Erling Haaland made an admission about France moments after helping Norway secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage
- The two-time world champions have won their first two matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and have reached the Round of 32
- The Manchester City striker has delivered a surprising verdict on who he believes will go all the way in 2026, if not his own nation
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Norway striker Erling Haaland has played a pivotal role in guiding his country into the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after scoring four goals in their opening two Group I matches.
The prolific forward netted twice against Iraq before repeating the feat in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal, ensuring Norway's progression with a game to spare.
Source: Getty Images
With qualification already secured, attention has turned to Norway's final group-stage encounter against tournament favourites France.
However, Haaland appeared remarkably relaxed when discussing the showdown with the French, led by star forward Kylian Mbappé.
Speaking after the win over Senegal, the Manchester City striker admitted that the upcoming clash is not currently a major concern for him.
Haaland said reaching the knockout stage was Norway's primary goal and that the squad was fully focused on celebrating the achievement.
Haaland tips France to win 2026 World Cup
The 25-year-old also made a candid prediction about France's prospects at the tournament, suggesting that Les Bleus are likely to defeat Norway and could even go on to lift the World Cup trophy, as NDTV noted.
Watch Haaland's verdict on France, as shared on X:
Meanwhile, the match on June 26 will determine the Group I winners and could significantly influence both teams' knockout paths.
It will also mark the first senior international meeting between Haaland and Mbappé, who have each scored four goals at the tournament and are among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot.
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