Belgium thrashes the United States and advances to the quarterfinals

A band originally from Michoacán achieved the unthinkable: that Erling Haaland responded to their video on Instagram. The meeting occurred after a quick production of half an hour.

The footballer’s response

The Norwegian striker, concentrating for his match against England in the World Cup quarterfinals, commented on the Banda La Prestigiosa publication. “I listen to you,” he wrote in Spanish, accompanying the text with an emoji of the Mexican flag and another of tacos. The reaction exceeded 300 thousand reactions.

The 1.12 minute video was republished nearly 50 thousand times. Haaland, who personally manages her networks with more than 60 million followers, surprised the musicians.

“We were all surprised, it relieved us and lifted our spirits. They started writing to us from different places, it has been a boost. Now let Norway win,” shared Abel Ayala, clarinestist of the group.

Origin of the group and the song

Banda La Prestigiosa was formed 11 years ago in Michoacán. Its 18 members have given concerts in Mexico and the United States. Haaland’s version is based on a Russian song adapted first in Germany and then in English for Manchester City.

The song is now available on Spotify, where the band has twenty songs. In just half an hour, the number of the group’s followers grew significantly after the footballer’s response.

Haaland’s nod to the Beatles before the World Cup duel

Norwegian striker Erling Haaland lit up social media with a post that combines football, pop culture and artificial intelligence. In the run-up to the 2026 World Cup quarter-final match between Norway and England, the attacker shared a parody poster inspired by the iconic cover of The Beatles’ Abbey Road album.

The image, generated with AI tools, shows four selected Norwegians crossing a pedestrian crossing on a London street. The background includes Big Ben, London Bridge and the official World Cup logo. Above the scene, the phrase “The Vikings” appears in the classic typography of the Liverpool quartet.

To accompany the graphic, Haaland wrote on Instagram and X: “Here come the… Vikings,” a variation on the theme Here Comes the Sun. The publication added millions of reactions in a matter of hours, including that of Manchester City, the footballer’s club, which reacted with humor to the message.

The match will be played this Saturday at the Miami Stadium and will define the third semifinalist of the tournament. Haaland’s provocation, far from generating controversy, was received as a playful gesture between two teams with different histories in world football.

The quarterfinal round continues at the 2026 World Cup

This Saturday the last two quarterfinal matches will be played. France and Spain have already secured their place in the semi-finals. Now, Norway and England, and then Argentina and Switzerland, will look for the remaining tickets.

Norway vs England: a duel of scorers

Norway, which is playing in the quarterfinals for the first time in its history, depends on Erling Haaland. The forward has seven goals in four games and was key in Brazil’s elimination. Opposite, England, with a 60-year drought, is betting on Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.

The game will be played in Miami at 3:00 p.m. It is broadcast on Azteca 7, Channel 5, TUDN and VIX Premium.

Argentina vs Switzerland: Messi, the great card

Argentina, current champion, collides with Switzerland in Kansas City. Lionel Messi, with eight goals and one assist in five games, leads the team. Although favorites, the Swiss represent a difficult rival.

The match starts at 7:00 p.m. and will only be seen on VIX Premium.

Both matches will define the semifinalists who will face each other in the United States. The fans expect emotions and goals from the top scorers of the tournament.