Haaland Departs U.S. After Norway’s World Cup Exit

Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland departed the United States on Monday, July 13, 2026, after concluding a memorable first World Cup campaign that saw him emerge as one of the tournament's defining personalities. The 25-year-old striker bid farewell to American fans via social media, posting a selfie from his flight out of the country with the message, "Goodbye. It's been emotional!"

Haaland's journey ended when Norway was eliminated by England, 2-1, in a World Cup quarterfinal match played on Saturday, July 11, in Miami. Despite the loss, his performance throughout the tournament solidified his status as a global superstar and introduced him to a massive new audience in the host nation. He scored seven goals in five matches, a tally that placed him behind only Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé among the tournament's top scorers entering the semifinal round. His offensive prowess was instrumental in leading Norway to its first World Cup quarterfinal since 1998.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Haaland captivated fans with his authentic and playful personality off the pitch. Throughout Norway's run, he regularly shared photos and videos from his travels across the U.S.,...