Christian vieri

FIFA World Cup: Former Italy striker Christian Vieri has warned England about the formidable threat posed by Erling Haaland ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal clash against Norway, describing the prolific forward as 'unstoppable' and 'unbeatable in the box'.

Norway are set to play in a FIFA World Cup quarterfinal for the first time, with Haaland at the heart of their historic campaign. The striker has scored 62 goals in 54 international appearances and also surpassed a World Cup record previously held by Vieri by becoming the first European player to score in each of his first five appearances at the global showpiece.

“For me, he’s unstoppable. He’s just too big, too strong, and when he has space, he’s quick, and he’s hungry, and that’s the most important thing. If Norway start getting the crosses in, the sooner they start crossing, it’s going to be very hard for England because, for me, when they start crossing, he’s unbeatable in the box,” Vieri said in a FIFA podcast.