Erling Haaland has taken the 2026 FIFA World Cup by storm after inspiring Norway to a famous victory over Brazil, but his remarkable rise has also revived memories of an unexpected connection with India. Years before becoming one of the world’s most feared strikers, the Norwegian captain had faced India’s U-17 team in an international youth tournament, a moment that has now resurfaced following his latest World Cup exploits.
Erling Haaland once faced India’s U-17 side
In 2016, Haaland represented Norway in an Under-17 tournament where his side played against India’s U-17 team. At the time, he was regarded as one of Norway’s brightest young talents but was still far from becoming a global football superstar.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Norway’s Football Star Erling Haaland loves 🇮🇳Indian food. <a href="https://t.co/EdWjRCWrjV">pic.twitter.com/EdWjRCWrjV</a></p>— Bhakt Prahlad🚩 (@RakeshKishore_l) <a href="https://x.com/RakeshKishore_l/status/2074346662227841111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>That match has gained renewed attention after Haaland’s outstanding performances at the FIFA World Cup. From competing against India’s youngsters to leading his country on the biggest stage, the striker’s journey highlights his remarkable development over the last decade.
Norway script history against Brazil
Haaland produced another match-winning display in Norway’s Round of 16 clash against Brazil, scoring twice in a dramatic 2-1 victory. His brace helped Norway knock out the five-time world champions and secure a historic place in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.
Good to know ” Erling Haaland ” The Football Sensational player , Striker of Norway Team Is a Left Hander & And Majority of his Goals by left foot.
Quite interesting about his Habits
Drinks Raw cow milk, Cooks his own food, Practices Meditation and Yoga.
Unique Southpaws👍🏟️⚽ pic.twitter.com/DY0BqqIdoZ— V Radhakrishna (@rkmedepalli) July 7, 2026
The Manchester City forward has been Norway’s driving force throughout the tournament, combining clinical finishing with relentless determination. His performances have established him as one of the standout players of the competition and a leading contender for the Golden Boot.
Norway’s stunning victory over Brazil is already being hailed as one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. With Haaland in exceptional form, the Scandinavian nation now heads into the quarter-finals full of confidence as it prepares to face England for a place in the last four.
For Indian football fans, Haaland’s rise also serves as a fascinating reminder of a time when one of the game’s biggest stars shared the field with India’s U-17 team. What was once an ordinary youth international has now become a memorable chapter in the career of Norway’s World Cup hero.