Erling Haaland shines with seven goals at World Cup despite knockout exit

Erling Haaland scored seven goals during the World Cup as Norway reached the quarterfinals before losing 2-1 to England. The tournament marked a breakout for the 25-year-old, increasing his Instagram followers from 40 million to 65 million. Haaland reflected on his World Cup experience as surreal and transformative, highlighting his growing fame beyond soccer enthusiasts. His mix of on-field talent and social media presence has made him a viral sensation this summer. The World Cup showcased an increased popularity of soccer in the U.S.

• 4:59 PMCBS Sports — From cowboy hats to Patti Smith, how Erling Haaland conquered the World Cup even in defeat