Haaland was reportedly struck by the patriotism surrounding the national anthem, particularly the way supporters embraced the occasion. For a player accustomed to football’s intense pre-match rituals, the NHL’s presentation offered a different expression of national pride.
The timing added to the moment. Reports say Norway had won its opening two matches, while Haaland had scored four goals, allowing the Manchester City forward to enjoy a rare break from the pressure of the group stage.
The wider tournament has produced several memorable sporting crossovers:
Those scenes have given travelling fans and players a chance to understand the sporting culture surrounding them, rather than simply moving between hotels and stadiums.
There have also been lighter moments. Ollie Watkins reportedly appeared in Kansas wearing a Dallas Cowboys shirt, only to discover that American sports loyalties can be highly local - and strongly defended.
For Haaland, however, the NHL experience left a positive impression. Norway’s next group match will return the focus to football, but the striker’s comments underline how the 2026 World Cup is creating memories well beyond the game itself.