Haaland’s Shirtless Embrace With Norway Princess

Celebration follows historic World Cup quarterfinal advancement after Brazil win

[Sports Chosun Park Sang-kyung reporter] Erling Haaland, who led Norway’s first-ever World Cup quarterfinal advancement, received a ‘special gift’.

The British daily Daily Mail reported on the 6th (Korean time) that ‘Haaland, who sank Brazil in the Round of 16 at the 2026 North America Central America World Cup, embraced Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway in the locker room while shirtless’. Haaland scored two goals on his own in the Round of 16 match against Brazil held at New Jersey Stadium in the U.S. that day, leading Norway to a 2-1 victory. With this victory, Norway made history by advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.

Princess Ingrid is the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and, during this tournament, has been representing the Norwegian royal family alongside her younger brother, Prince Sverre Magnus, to encourage the national team on-site. In addition to her striking appearance, she also drew attention for practicing ‘noblesse oblige’ by serving 15 months in the combat engineering corps.

This trip to the U.S. marks Princess Ingrid’s first official engagement. When her father, Crown Prince Haakon, was unable to come to the U.S. due to his wife’s lung transplant surgery, she took on the role alongside her brother. The Daily Mail reported, ‘In Norway, the movements of the two royal heirs have also become a topic of interest alongside the national team’s strong performance in the World Cup’.

Visits by heads of state or royal families to national teams during the World Cup are common. While a certain level of formality is typical, they can also take place in a less formal atmosphere depending on the situation. Haaland embraced Princess Alexandra while shirtless and then promptly stood upright to politely shake hands.

After the victory over Brazil, Haaland said, “I think this will be a moment I remember for the rest of my life. We will keep moving forward. I hope that in the future, my teammates will be proud to have played for the Norwegian national team in this moment.”

Norway will face the winner of the Round of 16 match between Mexico and England in the quarterfinals at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on the 12th.

Via: Chosun