So Long, Erling Haaland

Well, it’s been a good World Cup. Sure, it’s technically still happening, but it won’t be nearly as exciting now that Norway has been eliminated, and by extension, everyone’s favorite Viking, Erling Haaland.

On Saturday, Norway faced off against England in the quarterfinals, and after some controversial VAR calls and a battle that stretched into extra time, England emerged on top, 2–1. Thus, after a month spent across the pond discovering cowboy hats and winning over Americans’ hearts with his man bun, Haaland is officially headed back home. On Sunday, the Viking shared the news with Instagram followers, old and new, adding, “It’s been emotional.”

Goodbye 🇺🇸 It’s been emotional! pic.twitter.com/w5ZBRv3pWS

— Erling Haaland (@Erling) July 13, 2026

This marks Haaland’s first World Cup, and in it he helped Norway achieve its best record yet. Haaland scored seven goals in the tourney, two of which helped pull off an upset win against Brazil in the round of 16. The rise in his popularity this summer has been the subject of many a news and media headline, not just because of his stats but also because of his off-the-pitch allure. (And did I mention that he looks like a Viking?) Turns out Haaland is something of a part-time content creator, vlogging his adventures in America on YouTube, maintaining a viral Snapchat story, and leading Viking Row. After defeating Ivory Coast in Norway’s first-ever knockout-round win, he raided a cowboy retailer and came out dressed in full regalia with a shirt reading “You Can Kiss my Dallas.”

I’m so glad the World Cup allowed me to learn who this guy is https://t.co/vaLS7np0hT

— lynz (@lynziekate) July 1, 2026

With the help of his new global fan base, he has reached over 66 million followers on Instagram, and it’s safe to say Norway won itself a new legion of fans here in the States (because it’s not like we had much else to root for). On Monday, the team touched back down in Oslo, and while they did not bring home the World Cup trophy, it looks like Haaland came home with an even better keepsake—one that truly captures the spirit of America… a taxidermy raccoon clutching a liquor bottle…?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Footballer Fits (@footballerfits)

Yep, that’s us. Treat our taxidermied raccoon clutching a liquor bottle well, Erling. And see ya in four years!