FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland gears up for England test, posts training pictures before quarter-final
Miami, July 10
Norway forward Erling Haaland offered his fans a glimpse of the training session ahead of the team's FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash against England, through a post on social media.
In an X post, Haaland posted multiple pictures of himself training ahead of the crucial clash on Saturday (local time).
"Quarter-final prep," Haaland wrote in the caption.
During the match against Brazil, Haaland's tally went to seven goals after a brace, making him the player with the joint-most goals in his debut World Cup since Poland's Grzegorz Lato scored seven in 1974.
Norway booked their place in the quarter-finals after stunning five-time world champions Brazil with a 2-1 victory in the Round of 16, one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
A brilliant brace from Erling Haaland inspired the Norwegians to the famous win, setting up a blockbuster quarter-final clash against England.
Notably, Haaland is averaging a goal every 14 touches in the tournament, the lowest ratio of any player to score three or more goals in a single World Cup edition over the past 60 years.
Haaland has netted seven goals from just 18 shots at the 2026 World Cup, giving him a 39% conversion rate. This is the best finishing efficiency (with 15 or more shots) in a single World Cup since Gary Lineker in 1986, who scored six goals from 15 shots at a 40 per cent rate.
England, on the other hand, head into the quarter-final on the back of one of their most memorable away victories, with Jude Bellingham's brace inspiring a dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico at the Azteca despite being reduced to 10 men.
History, however, slightly favours Norway, with England managing just two wins in their last seven meetings. The Three Lions' struggles date back to a memorable 2-1 defeat in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in 1981.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Haaland's efficiency is ridiculous—7 goals from 18 shots! But England has the edge with that dramatic win over Mexico. As someone who follows football from the US, I'm loving this World Cup. The underdog stories like Norway and the intense matches make it special. Can't wait for Saturday!
Haaland is on fire, but I'm worried about Norway's defense. England loves to counter-attack. And can we talk about how Norway's win over Brazil was one of the biggest upsets? This World Cup has been full of surprises. Hope we see more of that Indian passion for football growing in the coming years! 🇮🇳⚽
I'm rooting for Norway because they're the underdogs. Haaland's stats are insane—goal every 14 touches?! That's Messi-esque efficiency. But England's resilience against Mexico shows their character. Should be a tight game. I just wish FIFA would consider expanding the World Cup to include more teams from Asia and Africa in future editions. Makes the tournament richer.
Haaland vs Bellingham—that's the battle of the tournament! Both are young stars. I think England's experience in knockout stages gives them the edge. But honestly, as an Indian who has watched probably more European football than our own domestic league, I'm just enjoying the spectacle. Hoping for a thriller on Saturday! 🔥
Norway's win over Brazil was stunning, but England's comeback against Mexico was equally impressive. Bellingham is a game-changer. Haaland will need more support from his teammates against England's
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