Erling Haaland believes England are among the favourites to win the World Cup, meaning he views them as the favourites when Norway face them in the quarter-finals tonight.
Both nations have overcome difficult challenges to reach this stage of the tournament, and Norway are now on the verge of making history. A victory would see them reach the semi-finals of a FIFA World Cup for the first time.
England overcame a major challenge by defeating co-hosts Mexico in the previous round, but Norway believe they have the quality to compete. The team has impressed throughout the tournament and has shown strong organisation since the qualifying stages.
Norway ready for England challenge
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Norway have also captured the attention of many supporters with their celebrations and positive performances. Many neutral fans would like to see them continue their run in the competition, but they know they must earn their place in the next round.
Haaland has suggested that England are the stronger favourites heading into the match. However, his club teammate Nico O’Reilly does not agree with that assessment and believes Norway have enough quality to challenge the English team.
According to [the Metro](https://metro.co.uk/2026/07/10/england-star-responds-erling-haaland-mind-games-claim-ahead-world-cup-clash-29102120/?ito=newsnow-feed), O’Reilly said:
‘Yeah, mind games.’
Adding:
‘But they’re a good team as well. They’ve showed that throughout the whole tournament.
‘It’s not just certain players that we need to worry about. They’re good collectively, and it’s going to be a good game.’
O’Reilly highlights Haaland threat
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O’Reilly also spoke about Haaland’s ability and explained that Norway must work together to provide opportunities for its main attacking threat.
He added:
‘Erling’s Erling. We all know what he’s like. He can score goals. He’s dangerous in the box, and he’s a real threat. But they need to get him the ball in first. A lot goes into it.’
Norway will depend on Haaland’s finishing ability, but O’Reilly believes the entire team must perform well to overcome England. The quarter-final promises to be a demanding contest, with both sides aiming to secure a place in the semi-finals.
While England enter the match with the status of favourites, Norway remain confident they can continue their impressive World Cup journey.