Haaland Says Emotional Goodbye to USA After Norway's World Cup Exit

The 2026 World Cup has lost one of its biggest sensations. Erling Haaland, the superstar striker who captivated the soccer world, said goodbye to the United States early Monday morning after his Norway squad was defeated by England in the quarterfinals over the weekend, ending their tournament run.

"Goodbye [U.S. flag emoji] It's been emotional," the 25-year-old wrote on Instagram, alongside a selfie taken from what appears to be an airplane. Erling Haaland leaves America with a heavy heart but a treasure trove of memories.

The match against England was marred by controversy — two major calls went against Norway. For Haaland, it was a frustrating game: his teammates struggled to get him the ball, and he couldn't make his usual impact.

However, throughout the tournament, Erling Haaland didn't just show up — he dominated, scoring seven goals in just five games. That made him one of the breakout stars of the championship and cemented his status as a global football icon.

Off the pitch, the Norwegian fully immersed himself in American culture, soaking up everything the different cities had to offer. Norway played in Boston, New York/New Jersey, Dallas, and Miami, and Haaland thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

A particularly memorable moment came in Texas, where Erling Haaland took the Norway team staff to a hat shop and bought everyone cowboy hats and boots — a true gesture of goodwill and a deep dive into local flavor.

Now, Haaland will head back to Manchester City, but not before leaving a piece of his heart and a host of highlights on American soil. Fans wish him well, and the World Cup continues without him — with broadcasts on Fox One through July 19.