World Cup 2026: Haaland takes in ice hockey before World Cup debut

World Cup 2026: Haaland took in ice hockey before World Cup debut. Erling Haaland swapped the football pitch for the ice rink as he and Norway teammates attended a Stanley Cup playoff game in Raleigh. The Norway group supported the Carolina Hurricanes in game five against the Vegas Golden Knights, with Haaland waving to the crowd and wearing a Hurricanes rally towel. He arrived in a grey polo before being filmed in a white-and-red Hurricanes jersey bearing the number nine. The Hurricanes, seeking their first Stanley Cup in 20 years, led the series 3-2 and closed out game five 4-2 in regulation. Norway are appearing in their first World Cup since 1998 and their first major tournament since Euro 2000, with their own campaign beginning next Tuesday. Haaland is set to make his World Cup debut on 16 June, when Norway faces Iraq at 23:00 BST. Haaland’s attendance underscores the crossover appeal of football stars engaging with other major-league sports ahead of a major tournament. Norway’s World Cup journey follows limited prior major-tournament exposure, amplifying expectations for a squad still building its international identity. The matchups and celebrations around Haaland’s pre-tournament experience reflect the broader narrative of football’s global reach entering 2026.