Haaland says first World Cup memory was Tshabalala’s 2010 screamer in South Africa

Erling Haaland has revealed that his earliest FIFA World Cup memory is Siphiwe Tshabalala’s famous opening goal for South Africa at the 2010 tournament – a moment he now reflects on after starring at his own first finals in 2026.

The Manchester City forward finally made his World Cup debut at the most recent edition of the competition, leading Norway to the quarter-finals on their return to the global stage after a 28-year absence.

Norway had not appeared at a World Cup since France 1998, but with Haaland spearheading the attack they progressed to the last eight before being eliminated by England.

Haaland, now 26, was one of the standout performers at the 2026 tournament, scoring seven goals and providing one assist in just five matches to firmly establish himself at World Cup level.

Childhood memory from South Africa 2010

Reflecting on his journey from fan to World Cup striker, Haaland explained that his first clear memory of the competition came as a child watching the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

In a video released by Manchester City on their social media platforms, Haaland was asked which World Cup he remembers watching first.

He replied: “South Africa, the one with the goal [Tshabalala]…the long shot.”

Tshabalala’s left-footed strike for South Africa against Mexico in the opening match of the 2010 tournament became one of the defining images of that World Cup, and clearly left a lasting impression on a young Haaland, who had not yet turned 10 at the time.

Prolific form at first World Cup

Having grown up watching the World Cup on television, Haaland translated that early inspiration into a prolific debut campaign on the biggest stage.

Of his seven goals at the recent tournament, six came in the form of three separate braces, underlining his consistency and impact throughout Norway’s run.

He scored two goals each against Iraq, Senegal and Brazil, accounting for the bulk of his tally in Norway’s matches at the finals.

Haaland’s performances reinforced his status as one of the leading forwards in world football, as he combined his individual scoring exploits with a key role in Norway’s most successful World Cup campaign since their last appearance in 1998.

While his first World Cup memory remains Tshabalala’s long-range strike in South Africa, Haaland has now produced a series of moments of his own on the World Cup stage – this time as a central figure rather than a young spectator.