The Haaland effect? Hundreds of Peruvian newborns named after Norwegian World Cup star

Lima: The global fervour surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ has left a unique mark on birth registries in Peru, where hundreds of parents have named their newborns after Norwegian striker Erling Haaland.

According to official figures released by Peru’s National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC), a total of 563 children have been registered with names inspired by the Manchester City forward since the tournament’s commencement. The registry reports that 468 newborns have been given "Haaland" as a surname, while 91 have been registered with the full name "Erling Haaland".

The trend spiked dramatically as Norway progressed through the tournament, with fans captivated by the 25-year-old’s dominant form. During his campaign, Haaland netted seven goals in four matches, including a decisive brace in a historic 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil in the quarter-finals. Though Norway’s journey ultimately ended in a narrow 2-1 quarter-final defeat to England in Miami, the striker’s impact on Peruvian culture appears set to endure.

Iván Torres, a spokesperson for RENIEC, noted that football stars frequently serve as inspiration for Peruvian parents. "Different football stars serve as inspiration for Peruvians to register their children with these names," Torres said in an interview with Panamericana Televisión, jokingly adding that "Haaland is Peruvian too".

While the "Haaland craze" has been a standout phenomenon of the 2026 tournament, it follows a long-standing tradition in Peru of naming children after global football icons. Current registry data highlights the deep cultural imprint of the sport, with thousands of Peruvians bearing names inspired by established legends:

For many Peruvian families, these names serve as more than just a nod to athletic prowess; they act as lasting reminders of the tournament’s most memorable underdog stories and standout performances. As the World Cup moves into its final stages, these birth certificates stand as permanent cultural artefacts of the summer when Erling Haaland captured the imagination of football fans thousands of miles from his home in Norway.