Norway star striker Erling Haaland took to social media with light-hearted cowboy and Viking-themed posts after his side secured a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, advancing to the Round of 16. Haaland, who scored the dramatic 86th-minute winner, posted a photograph of himself in cowboy boots and a cowboy hat with the caption 'Howdy!' on X (formerly Twitter). In a subsequent post, he shared a Viking-themed image wearing a horned helmet while dressed in Norway's national team jersey, captioning it with the Norway flag and a red heart emoji.
Haaland's Historic Milestones
Haaland also celebrated becoming the fastest player in history to score 60 goals for his national team, a milestone he reached during the match. According to official records, he achieved this feat in fewer appearances than any previous Norwegian player. The 26-year-old striker's late winner not only sealed Norway's progression but also underscored his growing legacy in international football.
Match Details and Impact
The tightly contested encounter saw Norway edge past Ivory Coast 2-1 at a stadium in Texas, USA. Ivory Coast, playing their first-ever World Cup knockout match, put up a spirited performance but ultimately fell to Haaland's strike. With the win, Norway advances to face Brazil in the Round of 16, a formidable opponent with a rich World Cup history. 'We knew it would be tough, but the team showed great character,' Haaland said in a post-match interview, according to sources. 'Now we focus on Brazil.'
Social Media Reactions
Haaland's posts garnered widespread attention, with fans and analysts praising his playful yet confident demeanor. The Viking-themed image, in particular, resonated with Norwegian supporters, symbolizing the team's fighting spirit. As Norway prepares for the clash against Brazil, Haaland's form will be crucial. The team will rely on his goal-scoring prowess to overcome the five-time world champions.
