Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has declared that he would not trade Erling Haaland for any player in world football, following the Manchester City striker's 86th-minute winner that earned Norway a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The result carried enormous historical weight — it was the first time Norway had won a match in the knockout stages of a major tournament. Solbakken described it as a landmark moment for the nation.

Haaland silences his critics

Solbakken also took aim at those who dismiss Haaland as a one-dimensional finisher, arguing that his ability to hold up the ball and retain possession is consistently undervalued.