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Erling Haaland Surprises Dubai Student With World Cup Trip Invitation
By 19Network Editorial Team · Jun 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland visited a Dubai school to gift a young fan a trip to the FIFA World Cup.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland surprised a Dubai schoolboy this week, hand-delivering an invitation that secures the student’s presence at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The Norwegian international, who is currently in the UAE for training and recovery, visited GEMS Metropole School to meet with students and faculty. Surprise Visit to GEMS Metropole The student, identified as Faris Al Khalidi, was selected as part of a grassroots initiative aimed at rewarding young football enthusiasts in the region. Haaland, the current Premier League Golden Boot holder, appeared unannounced during a school assembly to present the prize. The package includes travel, accommodation, and match tickets for the global tournament. During the visit, Haaland engaged with the school’s football team, participating in a brief session and answering questions regarding his professional career and training regimen. The striker has been a frequent visitor to Dubai, often utilizing the city’s specialized sports facilities at the Nad Al Sheba (NAS) Sports Complex for mid-season conditioning. Manchester City in the UAE The interaction follows a pattern of increased activity by Manchester City and its…