Following Norway’s historic run to the World Cup quarterfinals in July 2026, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland returned home carrying an unusual travel companion: a $750 taxidermy raccoon clutching a whiskey bottle. The item, purchased at Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas during the tournament, became a central mascot for the team, moving between hotels with the squad throughout their campaign.
The Rise of the “Whisky Raccoon” Mascot
The stuffed animal emerged as an accidental team talisman during Norway’s time in Texas. According to reports from NDTV Sport, Haaland acquired the piece, known as the “Whisky Raccoon,” alongside other western-themed attire including a black cowboy hat and leather boots. While the origins of why the team adopted the prop remain unclear, its presence became a staple of the players’ routine.
Patrick Berg, a midfielder for the Norwegian national team, confirmed to the Norwegian broadcaster NRK that the raccoon traveled with the squad from city to city. “It was with us the whole way,” Berg said. “I don’t know if it’s his, but we carried it from hotel to hotel, city to city. You could say it was a little mascot.”
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The publicity surrounding Haaland’s purchase had an immediate commercial impact. Following the striker’s social media post, which featured the raccoon and the caption “It followed me home,” the $750 item sold out rapidly on the Wild Bill’s Western Store website.
Norway’s Historic World Cup Performance
The 2026 tournament marked a significant turning point for Norwegian football. The national team reached the quarterfinals for the first time in its history, securing a notable victory against Brazil in the round of 16 before falling 2–1 to England. Haaland concluded the tournament as Norway’s top performer, netting seven goals.
Upon their return on July 13, 2026, the team was met with a massive celebration in Oslo. The squad’s aircraft was escorted by fighter jets upon entering Norwegian airspace. Players were greeted by King Harald V and members of the royal family at the palace, followed by a parade through the capital on an open-top bus for over 100,000 fans. The festivities included a signature “viking rowing” celebration led by Crown Prince Haakon.
Athlete Branding and Social Media Trends
By sharing candid moments—like his Snapchat updates featuring the raccoon—Haaland maintains high engagement with fans outside of match days.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Where did Erling Haaland buy the raccoon? He purchased the taxidermy piece at Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas, Texas, during the 2026 World Cup.
- Did Haaland participate in the full Oslo celebration? He attended the royal reception at the palace to meet the King but skipped the public outdoor parade to depart for a vacation.
- How many goals did Haaland score in the 2026 World Cup? Haaland finished the tournament as Norway’s leading scorer with seven goals.
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