Erling Haaland Inspires Baby Names in Peru After World Cup

Erling Haaland's standout performance during the 2026 FIFA World Cup has led to a significant cultural trend in Peru, where parents are naming their newborns after the Norwegian striker. Official data from Peru's National Identification Registry indicates that 468 babies have been registered with the surname Haaland, while 91 have received the full name Erling Haaland.

Haaland played a crucial role in Norway's historic run to the quarter-finals, scoring seven goals and providing one assist, earning him recognition as one of the tournament's standout players. His leadership and sportsmanship have further endeared him to fans, particularly in Peru, where football enjoys immense popularity.

Ivan Torr, a spokesperson for the registry, noted that naming children after famous footballers often occurs during major international tournaments. While Haaland's popularity is rising, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain the most common inspirations for baby names in Peru, with 3,402 and 1,185 namesakes, respectively.