Zlatan Ibrahimovic Sends Fiery Erling Haaland Warning Before Senegal Clash
Erling Haaland’s long-awaited World Cup debut came out with a bang. Last Tuesday in Boston, Haaland scored his first World Cup goals with a brace as Norway started their campaign with a 4-1 win over Iraq. It was Norway’s first tournament appearance in 28 years.
Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute, turning in a low cross from David Moller Wolfe at the back post, before Iraq leveled minutes later with an Aymen Hussein header. But, just four minutes later, Haaland struck again, pouncing on an error from Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan. The score pushed his international tally to 57 goals in just 51 matches.
Now, one of the most ruthless strikers in the game, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has sent a clear message about Haaland.
“He’s a very intelligent player. He doesn’t do more than he needs to do. And where his quality comes out is in front of the goal. That’s where his killer instinct comes in,” Ibrahimovic said. “The interesting thing I like with him also that many people don’t talk about is that when his teammate scores, he looks happier than when he scores. Because when he scores, it’s just another day at work.”
When asked about where he ranks Haaland in terms of the best strikers in the world, Ibrahimovic added, “If you look at the numbers he has, it’s crazy. He’s scored goals everywhere he’s played. And he’s still scoring. He’s not done yet. I remember he had one game, and he scored nine goals. Like, I scored nine goals when I played under 15, maybe … In terms of comparing with Harry Kane, that’s two different players. Harry Kane is more of an all-around player. He will do more than Haaland. But in the box, Haaland is the best when it comes to killer instinct.”
More news: Paul Pogba Issues Ominous France Warning Ahead of World Cup Opener
Zlatan’s comments come just 24 hours before Norway’s crucial Group I matchup with Senegal, a match that could put them in firm control of the group.
France beat Senegal 3-1 in the group opener, meaning Norway currently sits atop the table on goal difference, with Senegal needing a result just to stay in the race.
Norway closes out the group in a highly anticipated clash with Kylian Mbappe and France on Friday, June 26, so a win over Senegal on Monday would all but guarantee passage to the knockout round before that finale even kicks off.
More news: Zlatan Ibrahimovic Calls One World Cup Team a ‘Punching Bag' in FOX Debut
More news: 10 Must-Watch Group Stage Matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Norway arrives at MetLife Stadium on Monday night with real momentum. Haaland’s the deadliest striker in the world right now, and Zlatan just made sure everybody knows it.
Senegal has been warned.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published June 21, 2026 at 5:35 PM.