Erling Haaland’s World Cup goals literally caused an earthquake in Norway

16.06.26 FT World Cup

Iraq

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Norway

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Erling Haaland led Norway to a 4-1 World Cup win over Iraq on Wednesday sparking wild fan celebrations in Bergen that literally shook the earth.

Norway's long awaited return to the World Cup after a 28 year absence is already making waves, literally. The midnight kickoff in Oslo time did not stop fans from gathering in massive numbers across the Scandinavian nation.

The supporters were rewarded heavily when their Manchester City talisman dismantled the Iraqi defense netting 2 crucial first-half goals that sent viewing parties into absolute delirium.

Fans rock the City of Bergen

The sheer physical force of the celebrations created a genuine geological phenomenon. According to the Norwegian seismic institute NORSAR, a monitoring station located in the city of Bergen detected distinct and unusual signals during the broadcast of the match.

In an official statement, NORSAR confirmed that the most dramatic spikes on their equipment matched the exact moments Haaland found the back of the net. The institute explained that when massive crowds jump, cheer and move in perfect synchronization during intense sporting moments, the collective physical energy generates ground vibrations powerful enough to be recorded by sensitive seismographs.

The Leicester City parallel

While extraordinary, football induced seismic activity does have a precedent. During Leicester City’s historic Premier League title run in March 2016, a remarkably similar event took place.

When Leonardo Ulloa scored an 89th-minute winner against Norwich City, the erupting crowd at the King Power Stadium triggered a 0.3 magnitude micro-earthquake, officially recorded by geological equipment installed by local university students.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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