Haaland watches – Erling Haaland traded the football pitch for an ice rink in Raleigh on Thursday, taking in a Stanley Cup match as Norway’s World Cup preparations roll on. He’ll make his long-awaited World Cup debut against Iraq on 16 June at 23:00 BST.
Erling Haaland arrived at the Lenovo Centre in Raleigh in a grey polo shirt, blend-in casual—then the moment Norway appeared on the scoreboard screen, he was no longer just another spectator. He waved to the crowd and lifted his Hurricanes colours like it mattered.
On Thursday, Haaland and his Norway team-mates took in a Stanley Cup match together. They were there to back the Carolina Hurricanes in game five of the NHL play-off series against the Vegas Golden Knights.
What made it feel even more personal was how quickly Haaland switched from neutral fan to unmistakable supporter. He was later filmed beaming while wearing a white and red Hurricanes jersey emblazoned with the number nine—the same number he wears for both club and country.
This stop in Raleigh is more than a fun pre-World Cup detour. Haaland is set for his long-awaited World Cup debut against Iraq on 16 June at 23:00 BST. For Norway, the timing lands inside a season that has already carried real pressure and real expectation.
The match itself offered the kind of momentum playoff crowds crave. The Hurricanes were targeting their first Stanley Cup crown for 20 years, and they got a decisive push in game five. They lead the Golden Knights 3-2 in the best-of-seven series after completing a 4-2 regulation win.
Norway’s presence at the World Cup also carries a long wait. They are playing at their first World Cup since 1998, and their first major tournament since Euro 2000. Even with their campaign not starting until next Tuesday. they’ve already made a mark—just as Haaland continues to keep his rhythm before the opening whistle against Iraq.
Erling Haaland World Cup 2026 Norway Iraq Stanley Cup Carolina Hurricanes Vegas Golden Knights NHL playoffs Lenovo Centre Raleigh
World Cup against Iraq?? That seems wild lol.
So he just watched hockey instead of training? I mean I guess it worked for the Hurricanes or whatever. Also why is it 23:00 BST like do they expect everyone to convert that.
Wait didn’t Norway qualify like years ago? I’m confused. Iraq vs Norway at the World Cup sounds like a friendly or something not the real deal. But hey I guess Haaland wearing 9 is cool even if I don’t get the point of mixing NHL with soccer.
I swear I saw a clip of him in a Hurricanes jersey and thought it was just sponsorship stuff. But apparently he watched game five and they’re up 3-2 now, so that’s kinda poetic?? Either way, 20 years for the Cup and he’s there like “I got this” lol. Also Raleigh stadium vibes are always nice, can’t hate.