Hundreds of Peruvian newborns named after Erling Haaland

Peruvian civil‑registry data show that 559 infants were given names linked to Norway’s star striker during the 2026 World Cup. Of those, 468 were registered simply as “Haaland”, 91 received the full name “Erling Haaland”, and four were recorded as “Erling Braut Haaland”. The surge followed Norway’s dramatic run to the quarter‑finals, especially after their 2‑1 win over Brazil, which sparked a wave of admiration among Peruvian fans. The National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC) confirmed the figures and noted that such naming choices are legal as long as they do not violate dignity or public order. The phenomenon echoes earlier Peruvian naming trends inspired by football icons such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and others. While Peru did not qualify for the tournament, the public’s enthusiasm for Haaland translated into both a naming boom and increased sales of merchandise featuring the player’s image.