New Delhi: As Norway stunned the five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 early Monday, Erling Haaland delivered a match-winning performance, scoring twice and securing Norway’s first-ever World Cup quarter-final qualification. Haaland has now scored seven goals in this tournament, putting his name alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. This is the first World Cup where three players have scored seven goals.
The trio is locked in at the same position in a historic Golden Boot race.
On Monday, the Norwegian striker first scored via a header in the 79th minute. He then sealed the victory for Norway by hitting a long-range strike in the 90th minute.
Haaland has operated as a devastating centre-forward for Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His raw physical power and ruthlessness make him a formidable striker. His performance against Brazil stood out, creating a huge upset in the Round of 16. Throughout the tournament, the Norwegian has displayed his ability to deliver in crucial moments, carrying his side to the quarter-finals.
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Mbappe’s speed, Messi’s control
Mbappe, on the other hand, has been utilising his pace and striking abilities rather well for the French side. The French captain scored braces against Senegal and Iraq in the group stage, another brace against Sweden in the Round of 32, and a crucial penalty against Paraguay in the Round of 16. His game-winning contributions and scoring prowess in the knockout stage have helped France to be ultra-competitive.
While the youngsters have been flourishing, Messi has masterfully combined consistent goal scoring with visionary leadership. He continues to defy his age (39), maintaining his strong legacy for Argentina. He has scored consistently across the group stage and into the knockout rounds, including key contributions in crucial matches. The Argentine captain also became the first player to reach 20 career World Cup goals. His creativity and sheer amount of skills have propelled Argentina through the group stages and the Round of 16.
So far, the three star players are having an incredible tournament for their respective national sides. Haaland brings sheer power and brute force to the game. Mbappe utilises an effective blend of pace and striking capabilities. Messi combines his omnipresent vision with his immense skills. This perfectly sets up the race for the Golden Boot, for which all three remain strong contenders.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)