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Norway celebrated a crucial win in Dallas while two newborns arrived at Hjelset
Norway beat Ivory Coast 2‑1 in the group stage on June 30, 2026, and at the same time two babies were born at the delivery ward in Hjelset, Møre og Romsdal. Both births coincided with Nusa's decisive goals, and parents cheered both their children and the national team's victory.
How were the birth and the match linked?
Lene (36) and her partner Bjarte (37) were expecting their third child at Hjelset. When they arrived, they were offered to watch the match on a big screen from the maternity ward. Midwife Oda V. Holsether Skjølsvik remembered the father had an iPad and set the TV up. As the game unfolded, she suddenly heard a baby cry exactly when Nusa scored. Lene delivered her daughter in the same second the goal was celebrated with a loud "Yes! Norway scored!".
Naming inspired by Haaland
After the birth the name was still undecided. Lene and Bjarte considered traditional names like Ingeborg and Marie, but when Lene suggested "Erle" – a tribute to Erling Braut Haaland – the name stuck. Midwife Skjølsvik noted no one could doubt a boy would get a Haaland‑inspired name if it had been a son.
Another newborn on the same day
In the same ward Martine and Preben Råheim Grønseth also became parents to a boy named Birk "Antonio". Preben describes him as a true Haaland‑baby, weighing 4.6 kg. Later that evening a boy was born in Bergen, with a provisional name Ståle Antonio Erling Patrick.
Where does Norway stand in the World Cup?
| Statistikk | Verdi |
|---|---|
| Last result | Netherlands 2‑1 Norway (2026‑03‑27) |
| Recent form (last 3) | 1 W‑1 D‑1 L |
| Next fixture | Portugal (home, 2026‑09‑27) |
This shows a mixed form, but the win over Ivory Coast provides vital momentum before the next round. Fans across Norway celebrate both the goal and the newborn life – a rare combination that makes June 30 memorable for both football and families.
Why does this matter for Norway?
The victory secures a place in the quarter‑finals, and the emotional link between the match and the births has sparked extra enthusiasm among supporters. As Norway prepares for Portugal, the positive energy from the Hjelset story will likely serve as a motivational boost for the players.
What comes next?
After clinching a quarter‑final spot, the team now looks ahead to the home match against Portugal on September 27. The coach has already stressed the need to stay focused, but the Hjelset tale reminds us that football can affect lives in unexpected ways. Fans will probably follow both match results and any further births with equal interest.
