Haaland dubbed ‘honorary American’ over World Cup | Sports News

Erling Haaland has been jokingly labeled an “honorary American” by followers after the Manchester City striker confirmed off his assortment of quirky souvenirs from the 2026 World Cup.

Haaland has captured the eye of new World Cup followers not solely by means of his performances on the pitch but in addition by means of his larger-than-life persona away from the sport. The Norway striker has shared a sequence of entertaining vlogs on his in style YouTube channel, offering supporters a glimpse into his match expertise.

In one video, Haaland was seen visiting Wild Bill’s Western Store in Texas alongside a number of Norway teammates and members of the backroom employees. The ahead later revealed one of his uncommon purchases — a taxidermied raccoon clutching a liquor bottle — as he arrived back in Oslo following the match.

“It followed me home,” Haaland joked on social media whereas displaying off his new companion. Norway reportedly spent round $10,000 on the store simply hours after their 2-1 Round of 32 victory over Côte d’Ivoire at Dallas Stadium, with TMZ reporting that Haaland coated your entire invoice himself.

The crew spent more than 90 minutes shopping the store, choosing up a vary of Texas-themed gadgets together with cowboy hats, beaver felt hats, boots, belts, belt buckles, and different Western-style souvenirs.

Haaland’s standout purchases included a shirt that includes the slogan “Y’all Can Kiss My Dallas,” the $750 taxidermied raccoon, and two extra taxidermied squirrels, which reportedly value $450 every.

Barstool Sports shared a clip from Erling Haaland’s official Snapchat account displaying the Manchester City striker proudly displaying his assortment of souvenirs.

Alongside the post, they joked that “at this point, Erling Haaland is an honorary American,” prompting a wave of reactions from followers online. Several supporters even referred to as for the Norway worldwide to be granted US citizenship after embracing American tradition during the match.

“Not honorary… full citizenship, no stipulations.” wrote one individual. Another individual added: Just give him an American passport.” While a third individual mentioned: “I’m crying. He’s the greatest American I think I’ve ever seen, and he’s Norwegian.” Another individual additionally advised: “President Trump needs to make Erling Haaland an American and then appoint him Secretary of Transportation.”

Haaland and Norway’s World Cup marketing campaign got here to an finish after a 2-1 quarterfinal defeat to England. The Manchester City striker endured a irritating evening and was changed halfway by means of additional time, with Norway supervisor Stale Solbakken admitting the choice to substitute him was an straightforward one to make.

“It was not a tough decision to take him out because he was finished, and maybe I should have taken him out 10 minutes before, but he obviously [had] the tremendous World Cup,” Solbakken mentioned. Used all his power and energy for recreation after recreation after recreation. I believe that he additionally bought a useless leg within the second half. So that, mixed with the fatigue … he did all the things he may.”