Erling Haaland's girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, has offered a rare insight into their relationship during Norway's World Cup campaign. She admitted she initially liked Haaland's best friend before eventually falling for the Manchester City striker. Johansen has been supporting Norway throughout the tournament, embracing the team's cowboy-themed celebrations and famous Viking Row. The couple, who share a son, continue to enjoy family life while Haaland leads Norway's World Cup charge.As Erling Haaland continues leading Norway's memorable FIFA World Cup campaign, his girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, has also found herself in the spotlight. From supporting the team in the stands to sharing behind-the-scenes moments from the tournament, Johansen has been documenting the experience while also reflecting on the couple's relationship. Her earlier admission about how she and Haaland first met has resurfaced as fans continue following Norway's journey.Isabel Haugseng Johansen recalls how her relationship with Erling Haaland beganJohansen previously revealed that Haaland was not the first person who caught her attention when they were younger. Speaking to The Sun in October 2025, she admitted that she initially liked one of his close friends before eventually developing feelings for the Manchester City striker."I only knew your best friend, so he was the one who I liked first, but then when I saw you I changed my view," Johansen said. "I think it’s fate but you don’t."Haaland remembers the story a little differently. He believes football played a major role in bringing them together because Johansen also played the sport growing up."She played football, we met and all of that, it’s nice because you understand football," Haaland explained. "She remembers the many times she saw me when we were younger, but I don’t. I had that YouTube video singing with my friends."The couple have remained together throughout Haaland's rise to becoming one of world football's biggest stars, with Johansen frequently supporting him during club and international matches.Isabel Haugseng Johansen embraces Norway's World Cup journeyJohansen has been one of Norway's most enthusiastic supporters throughout the World Cup in the United States. Ahead of Norway's Round of 16 clash with Brazil, she shared a playful Instagram Story showing herself using a rowing machine at the gym."Better start practicing the (row) for tomorrow," she joked, referring to Norway supporters' popular Viking Row celebration.She has also embraced the tournament's American atmosphere, wearing a cowboy hat while cheering Norway during their victory over Ivory Coast in Dallas, matching Haaland's own fondness for the western-inspired look.Writing for Vogue Scandinavia, Johansen described how special the Viking Row celebration has become during the tournament."(Once) the Viking Row started, there was no way I was staying in my seat," she wrote. "From Oslo to Times Square, the row has been a special part of this tournament. I get goosebumps every single time we do this."... One last flight, straight to bed and then it’s time to do it all again. That’s the rhythm of a World Cup, and I wouldn’t have it any other way."Away from football, Haaland has often spoken about fatherhood after the couple welcomed their son. The Norway captain previously admitted becoming a parent has helped him mentally switch off from football."And to be honest I think with a kid, it makes me even better because I actually disconnect more than ever," Haaland said. "I don’t think of football at all... But when I go home, I relax even more so I think I need to give a shoutout to my son!"Johansen also revealed that the family even bought a pair of cowboy boots for their son during their World Cup adventure, adding another memorable chapter to Norway's tournament experience.