Hundreds of newborns in Peru have been named after Norway’s football star Erling Haaland amid his standout performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Peru’s national identity registry. The surge in babies bearing Haaland’s name comes as Norway prepares to face England in the tournament’s quarterfinal stage.

Haaland, a 25-year-old striker, has made a significant impact in the competition, scoring seven goals in four matches. His contributions include both goals in Norway’s historic win against Brazil, which secured the nation’s first-ever advancement to the World Cup quarterfinals.

The registry reported that 468 infants in Peru have been given Haaland’s surname, while another 91 have been registered with the full name Erling Haaland. Ivan Torres, a spokesperson for the registry, said that football stars often inspire Peruvian parents when naming their children. He noted that most of the registrations occurred in the weeks following the tournament’s start, with a notable increase after Norway’s progression to the later stages.

"Haaland is also Peruvian," Torres remarked, reflecting the enthusiasm and admiration some Peruvians feel toward the player.

This phenomenon illustrates the wide-reaching cultural influence of the World Cup and its players, transcending geographic boundaries and inspiring personal decisions such as naming newborns. As the tournament continues, Norway’s encounter with England will be closely watched by fans worldwide, including those in Peru who have expressed their enthusiasm through these unique gestures.