Erling Haaland said Norway's impressive performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup should be remembered as the beginning of something bigger for the country, even though their campaign ended with a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in the quarter-finals.

The Manchester City striker, who had been in outstanding form throughout the tournament, failed to score for the first time in 15 competitive matches for Norway as Jude Bellingham's brace helped England qualify for the semi-finals.

Haaland finished the competition with seven goals in five matches, including two goals that helped Norway eliminate Brazil in the round of 16, marking the country's best World Cup performance in almost three decades.

After the match, Haaland said the team's achievements had placed Norway on the global football stage and would encourage young players back home to believe they could compete at the highest level.

He added that the experience of the tournament would help Norway build towards future European Championships and World Cups if they continued developing the current generation of talented players.

Haaland also praised his former Borussia Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham, describing him as one of the best footballers in the world and saying England were fortunate to have such a complete midfielder.During extra time, Haaland was substituted after struggling with fatigue, the intense Miami heat and a dead leg injury.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken explained that the striker had given everything throughout the tournament and admitted he might even have taken him off earlier because of exhaustion.

Despite the painful exit, both Haaland and his coach believe Norway's performances have laid a strong foundation for future international success.