​Away from the football field, Erling Haaland is as much a gaming enthusiast as any of us. The Manchester City striker has surged through the 2026 World Cup, guiding Norway to their first ever appearance in the quarter-finals. With seven goals, he sits second in the Golden Boot race, capped by a dramatic late double that left five-time world champions Brazil stunned in the Round of 16. Now Haaland and the Norwegian squad are gearing up for a quarter-final showdown in Miami against Thomas Tuchel and England.
Yet Haaland’s routine of preparation extends beyond the usual diet plans and training schedules. For him, video games are the ultimate escape from the relentless pressures of top‑level soccer. Although he once confessed to feeling embarrassed about admitting his favorite titles publicly, the Norwegian star finds solace in multiplayer online games that help him unwind and stay connected with friends.
In a chat with GameSpot, Haaland was asked which game he would choose to take to a desert island. His response was concise and telling: “GTA or Minecraft.” He has clearly been riding the wave of excitement surrounding Grand Theft Auto, and he even offered a few words about the upcoming GTA 6, which is slated for release on November 19, 2026. “GTA, I can’t wait for the new one,” he said, hinting at the anticipation shared by fans and players alike.
This candid glimpse into Haaland’s off-field life shows a player who, despite his extraordinary achievements on the pitch, remains grounded and engaged with the things that help him decompress. While the world watches as Norway makes its mark in this tournament, Haaland’s downtime activities offer a window into the personality behind the statistics and headlines.
As Haaland and his teammates prepare for the quarter-final in Miami, expectations are high that Norway can extend their sensational run and perhaps redefine their footballing history. The journey has already produced memorable moments, including Haaland’s seven goals and a pivotal late brace against Brazil, and it’s a reminder that the world’s most watched players can also be devoted gamers who find balance through the digital realm.