Erling Haaland. Image via: Getty ImagesErling Haaland shared an emotional message after Norway’s impressive FIFA World Cup 2026 journey came to an end with a 2-1 defeat against England in the quarter-finals. The Manchester City striker posted a short farewell on social media, thanking the United States after Norway’s best-ever performance at a World Cup ended in Miami.Although Norway failed to reach the semi-finals, the team made history by advancing to the last eight for the first time. Haaland was one of the tournament’s standout performers, scoring seven goals and leading his country during a memorable campaign. After the match, he also reflected on how the World Cup experience had changed his life and expressed pride in Norway’s achievements.Erling Haaland reflects on Norway’s memorable World Cup journeyNorway’s dream run at the FIFA World Cup 2026 ended with a narrow 2-1 extra-time defeat against England in the quarter-finals. Despite the loss, the Scandinavian side left the tournament with plenty of praise after producing its best-ever World Cup performance.Soon after the match, Haaland shared a heartfelt message on social media. The striker simply wrote that it was time to say goodbye to the United States and described the experience as deeply emotional. His post quickly attracted reactions from fans, who praised Norway for its remarkable campaign.Norway started the quarter-final strongly in Miami. Andreas Schjelderup gave his side an early lead after an impressive opening spell. Haaland also came close to scoring when he forced England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into an important save.England fought back before the break as Jude Bellingham scored the equaliser in first-half stoppage time. The match remained closely contested before it went into extra time. The decisive moment came when Orjan Nyland failed to hold Morgan Rogers’ shot, allowing Bellingham to score from close range and seal a 2-1 victory for England.The result ended Norway’s historic World Cup journey. The team had returned to football’s biggest tournament for the first time since 1998 and reached the quarter-finals for the first time in the nation’s history. Their performances throughout the competition earned admiration from supporters around the world.Haaland played a major role in Norway’s success. The prolific striker found the net in every group-stage match and continued his scoring form in the knockout rounds. He finished the tournament with seven goals, making him Norway’s highest scorer during the competition.Speaking after the defeat, Haaland said the World Cup had become one of the biggest experiences of his career. He explained that taking part in the tournament had changed him personally and helped him grow both as a footballer and as a public figure. The striker added that it still felt unbelievable to think he had gone from watching the World Cup as a fan to playing on its biggest stage.While England move on to face defending champions Argentina in the semi-finals, Norway leave the FIFA World Cup 2026 with their heads held high after producing the finest campaign in the country’s football history.