Haaland vs Gabriel: Premier League Feud Hits World Cup
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Haaland and Gabriel are set for a direct confrontation when Brazil meet Norway in the World Cup last 16 on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium, carrying Premier League animosity onto the international stage.
- The feud originated on September 22, 2024, when Haaland hurled the ball at Gabriel's head after John Stones' 98th-minute equalizer rescued a 2-2 draw for Manchester City, then twice told Mikel Arteta to "stay humble" post-match.
- Gabriel escalated in February 2025 by shouting in Haaland's ear after Arsenal's 5-1 demolition of City, aimed a headbutt at him during a 2-1 City win in April (both cautioned by Anthony Taylor), and later posted himself lifting Arsenal's first Premier League title in 24 years to the same Flo Rida track Haaland had used to celebrate.
- Haaland has scored 6 goals in 11 club meetings against Gabriel — City won 5, Arsenal 2, with 4 drawn — and sits joint-second in the World Cup Golden Boot race on 5 goals, level with Harry Kane, one behind Kylian Mbappe, and two behind leader Lionel Messi.
- Brazil have never beaten Norway in four attempts (2 draws, 2 losses) — making the Selecao the only side they have faced but failed to defeat in their history.
- Former England striker Chris Sutton called it "the standout personal duel of the World Cup so far" and said he is "absolutely convinced there will be a flashpoint or two" given both players' physicality.
- Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti have abandoned the traditional Seleção style in favor of a cagey, counter-attacking approach built around Vinicius Jr, with Martin Odegaard serving as Norway's chief creator despite an injury-hit season at Arsenal.
Why it matters: In a knockout game with no second chances, Chris Sutton believes the outcome of the Haaland-Gabriel duel will directly decide whether Brazil or Norway reach the quarter-finals, making a club-level rivalry the single most important subplot of a World Cup elimination match. Norway also carry the psychological edge of being the only team Brazil have faced and never beaten across four historical meetings.
