“They are kind of hilarious”

Norwegian superstar Erling Haaland has revealed the things that he has liked the most about Americans during his interactions with them at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

The global footballing extravaganza is being hosted jointly by the USA alongside Mexico and Canada. The 2026 edition is the first to be played on US soil since 1994, when they were the sole hosts of the tournament.

Haaland has been among the top performers at the current World Cup. With seven goals in four appearances, the 25-year-old has led Norway to their first-ever quarter-final appearance in the competition.

While his exploits on the pitch have captivated the footballing world, his hilarious antics off the pitch have caught the attention as well. During his time off from training and matchdays, the Manchester City man has been vlogging his journey around the USA.

Haaland has been seen trying a Southern accent to confuse locals, rating local deli cuisine in New York and wearing a cowboy suit in Dallas, Texas. Speaking to reporters after a training session, the towering forward lavished praise on the American people and the general environment in the country, saying (via HITC h/t @yahoosports on Instagram):

“I think it’s a good thing because I like the Americans. I think they are kind of hilarious as well. They are funny. So I like the way they are. It’s been, honestly, on every single thing with the World Cup here so far has been amazing. From the games, to the stadiums to training grounds to everything has been amazing. It’s been impressive.”

At present, Haaland sits third in the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot standings, behind France’s Kylian Mbappe (eight goals, three assists in six games) and Argentina’s Lionel Messi (eight goals, one assist in five games).

Erling Haaland holds impressive goalscoring record at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Norwegian forward Erling Haaland holds an impressive goalscoring record at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

The 25-year-old opened his World Cup campaign with consecutive braces in the Landslaget’s wins over Iraq (4-1) and Senegal (3-2). He was rested for the final group stage game, a 4-1 loss against France; in the knockout phase, however, he picked up right where he left off in the group stage.

Haaland scored an 86th-minute winner against Cote d’Ivoire in the Round of 32 (2-1) and followed it up with a double against Brazil in the Round of 16 (2-1). According to a statistic that has emerged on social media, he has scored his seven goals thus far in a variety of ways that no other player in the tournament has.

The Norwegian talisman is the only player to have scored with his right foot, left foot and head as well as from inside and outside the box at the ongoing FIFA World Cup (stat via @OptaJoe on X). He has showcased his lethal finishing ability in every situation, proving why he is widely regarded as one of the best forwards in world football at the moment.

Up next, Haaland will be seen in action for Norway in their FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash against England (Saturday, July 11).