Haaland's popularity transcends the pitch... hundreds of newborns in Peru named after him during the 2026 World Cup

The impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup extended beyond the pitch, as the striking performance of Norwegian striker Erling Haaland prompted hundreds of families in Peru to name their newborns after him, a phenomenon reflecting the immense popularity he has achieved during the tournament. This came after Haaland’s contributions helped lead the Norwegian national team to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in its history.

According to AFP, Peru’s civil registry authority announced that 468 people bear the surname Haaland, while 91 newborns were registered with the full name “Erling Haaland.” Ivan Torres, a spokesperson for the authority, explained that several football stars serve as inspiration for families when choosing their children’s names, noting that registrations of this name rose significantly in the weeks following the tournament’s launch, particularly after Norway’s advancement to the quarter-finals.

Civil registry data show the continued influence of football stars on name choices in Peru, with thousands of people bearing names inspired by prominent players, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lamine Yamal, reflecting the widespread popularity these athletes enjoy among the public.