Norway and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland powered his country to victory in their 2026 World Cup opener against Iraq, scoring two goals to help the Vikings register their first goals and three points in the World Cup since 1998. Speaking after the match, the 25-year-old was asked if he believed he was the best striker in the world right now and he gave a very honest assessment.
“I would say I’m up there, I don’t think I scored the most goals this season,” Haaland said (BBC Sport as captured by X account @iMiaSanMia). “So, statistically no, I’m not. Harry Kane and [Kylian] Mbappé scored more goals than me, so I’m not.”
That was nice seeing Haaland give an answer that wasn’t disparaging. He knows he’s an elite forward and at the same time acknowledges the abilities that players like Kane and Mbappé have. Kane and England will take on Croatia next, while Mbappé is fresh off scoring a brace against Senegal in France’s first World Cup match.
