The 2026 FIFA World Cup has started with a bang, delivering memorable moments right from the outset. In a remarkable opening match between Mexico and South Africa, three red cards were issued, an occurrence not seen in 20 years for a World Cup game. Mexico emerged victorious with a 2-0 win in Mexico City.
The same night, South Korea came from behind to defeat Czechia. Hwang In-Beom and Oh Hyeon-Gyu delivered two goals in the second half. Meanwhile, Friday’s games saw Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina draw 1-1 in Toronto. The USMNT claimed a decisive 4-1 victory over Paraguay, cheered on by over 70,000 fans at SoFi Stadium.
During the weekend, Qatar secured a last-second equalizer from Boualem Khoukhi to draw with Switzerland. This left all four Group B teams at a stalemate, each with one point. Brazil and Morocco ended their match in a 1-1 draw at MetLife Stadium. Australia surprised Turkey with a 2-0 victory, while Japan staged an impressive comeback to tie with the Netherlands in a thrilling match.
Amid these exciting matches, fans worldwide are eager to see Erling Haaland in action. Norway returns to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998, marking the end of a 28-year absence. Haaland, Norway’s all-time leading striker, recognizes the significance of this tournament for both his nation and his career. In a pre-tournament interview, Haaland expressed the personal and national importance of this opportunity. “It felt missing in 2022 in Qatar and also in the Euros in 2024,” Haaland shared. “So now it finally happened, and it was about time.”
Haaland has borne the expectations of a nation, which grew heavier with each missed tournament. He emphasized the World Cup’s importance for the next generation of fans, stressing how he wants to create memorable moments for young Norwegian fans. “I never experienced Norway being at a World Cup in my lifetime,” he stated. “I’m just happy now that we qualified, and all the young Norwegian kids can experience how it is to have their country there.”
Norway is in Group I and will face Iraq on Tuesday, June 16, followed by Senegal on Monday, June 22, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Their group play concludes against France on Friday, June 26, at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. The match against France is set to feature Haaland against Mbappe, making it one of the group stage matches most eagerly anticipated by fans.