Erling Haaland’s World Cup Journey and Return to Norway

Erling Haaland’s impressive run in the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup concluded when England triumphed over Norway in the quarterfinal held in Miami on Saturday, July 11. Yet, Haaland remains a focal point of attention. The acclaimed striker for Norway and Manchester City, along with his teammates, returned to Norway on Monday, July 13.

The Norwegian men’s national team, known as the Herrelandslaget, shared an Instagram post featuring the players as they deboarded their plane. Haaland’s image drew significant interest, capturing him carrying a unique item—a taxidermy raccoon.

“It followed me home,” Haaland humorously wrote on X, with accompanying raccoon and crying-laughing emojis.

Sports analyst Joe Pompliano remarked on Haaland’s whimsical choice: “Erling Haaland has returned to Norway, and it looks like he brought home a $750 Whiskey Raccoon from Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas, Texas. What an authentic piece of American culture.” Texas holds sentimental value for Haaland after Norway secured its historic first World Cup knockout stage victory against Côte d’Ivoire at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on June 30.

Following this victory, Haaland indulged in a shopping spree, purchasing a black cowboy hat, leather cowboy boots, and a tee emblazoned with “Y’ALL CAN KISS MY DALLAS.” During this excursion, he acquired the taxidermy raccoon, a novel keepsake marking his World Cup debut.

Throughout the tournament, Haaland recorded seven goals in five matches, highlighted by his remarkable performance against Brazil, scoring twice in Norway’s unexpected Round of 16 victory.

The World Cup progresses with top teams competing for glory. France is set to confront Spain in the semifinal on Tuesday, July 14, while England aims to dethrone the reigning champion, Argentina, in the other semifinal on Wednesday, July 15. The climactic World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19. Haaland will likely be sharing his thoughts from Norway through social media.