How Haaland became the name of hundreds of babies in Peru after eliminating Brazil
Brazil's elimination to Norway in the 2026 World Cup went beyond the limits of football and caused an unusual phenomenon in Peru. In the days following Norway's 2-1 victory over the Brazilian team, hundreds of newborns began to be registered with the name Haaland in honor of striker Erling Haaland, protagonist of the European team's campaign.
According to data from the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (Reniec), released by the AFP agency, 468 children were given the name Haaland, while another 91 were registered as Erling Haaland. Most of these tributes occurred shortly after Norway's qualification to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
According to a representative of the Peruvian civil registration body, the number of new registrations increased significantly after the attacker's decisive performance against Brazil. The growth was even more pronounced in the days after the confirmation of the Norwegian team's place among the eight best in the competition.
This Saturday (11), Haaland returns to the field to try to keep Norway's historic campaign alive. The Manchester City center forward faces England in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, in search of an unprecedented qualification for the semi-finals.
The influence of big players on baby name choices is nothing new in Peru. Reniec data shows that 3,402 people in the country are called Messi, with 292 registered with the full name Lionel Messi. Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo inspired the name of 1,185 Peruvians, while 1,241 people were given the name Yamal in reference to the young Spanish standout.
Despite the popularity of other stars, Neymar remains the biggest phenomenon among Peruvian fans. In total, 33,809 people in the country bear the name of the Brazilian striker, a much higher number than any other honored player.
Out of the 2026 World Cup after failing to qualify in the South American Qualifiers, Peru follows the final stretch of the tournament only as a spectator. With Brazil's elimination, Argentina became the only South American representative still alive in the competition. Meanwhile, the Peruvian team has already started planning for the next cycle under the command of Brazilian coach Mano Menezes, with an eye on the next continental disputes and the attempt to return to the World Cup.
Streaming boosts World Cup audience, overcomes TV decline and expands audience
Source: CNN