Brunson’s World Cup prediction on Haaland comes true
Jalen Brunson predicted Erling Haaland would finish as the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s top scorer. After Haaland’s brace knocked out Brazil, a social media exchange with Josh Hart confirmed the prediction
Norway’s stunning 2-0 victory over Brazil in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, powered by an Erling Haaland brace at MetLife Stadium in New York, had a special guest in attendance: New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
After the match, both Brunson and teammate Josh Hart took to social media to celebrate the Norwegian striker’s performance.
Salute to you, Haaland
Jalen Brunson via X
The victory marked a historic milestone for Norway, which advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in its history after previous Round of 16 exits in 1938 and 1998.
With his two goals, Haaland also moved to seven goals in the tournament, tying Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé atop the Golden Boot race.
The result also settled a recent debate between the two Knicks stars on their podcast, The Roommates Show.
During the episode, Brunson predicted Haaland would finish as the tournament’s leading scorer, believing in Norway’s deep run. Hart, meanwhile, was skeptical, picking Mbappé as his favorite because of the overall strength of the French squad compared to Haaland’s supporting cast.
With the updated numbers now speaking for themselves, Hart publicly admitted he was wrong on X, tagging his teammate.
I was wrong. You were right
Josh Hart
Norway will now face England in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 11, with a tournament bracket that could still produce a dream final between Mbappé’s France and Haaland’s Norway.