Over 500 Newborn Babies in Peru Named After Erling Haaland

Hundreds of Peruvian babies named after Norway soccer star Erling Haaland

More than 550 infants now carry the name of the striker as Norway heads to its first-ever World Cup quarter-final.

A great sports story can make people do wild things. For hundreds of families in Peru, a striker's goals are now written on their children's birth certificates.

What Happened

Norway is playing in the 2026 World Cup. Star player Erling Haaland has scored 7 goals in just 4 matches. He even scored 2 goals to help Norway beat Brazil.

Now, Norway is in the quarter-finals for the first time. They play England next. Peru's national registry says soccer fever has taken over.

They reported that 468 newborns have been named Haaland. Another 91 babies have the full name Erling Haaland. Registry spokesperson Ivan Torres said the numbers shot up after the tournament started.

Fact Box

• 468: Peruvian babies named Haaland.
• 91: Babies given the full name Erling Haaland.
• 7: Goals scored by Haaland in 4 World Cup games.
• 33,809: Peruvians named after Brazil's Neymar.
• 3,402: Peruvians named after Lionel Messi.

Why It Matters

Soccer is more than a game in South America. It is a deep part of life. Even when their own team is not playing, fans connect with the sport's biggest stars.

Naming a child after a player binds a family to a moment in sports history. It shows how global soccer stars have become.

What Happens Next

Norway plays England on Saturday in a historic match. If Haaland scores more goals, the registry expects even more babies to get his name.

What We Still Don't Know

1. How do the mothers feel about these naming choices?
2. Will these babies grow up to love soccer as much as their parents do?
3. How many more babies will get the name if Norway wins the World Cup?