Haaland’s $750 Whiskey Raccoon Steals World Cup Headlines
The Bizarre Souvenir That Hijacked the World Cup
Erling Haaland’s World Cup may have ended in quarter-final heartbreak on the pitch, but the Norwegian talisman has managed to hijack the headlines anyway. Not for a record-breaking transfer, nor for the stunning goals, but for a $750 taxidermied raccoon clutching a bottle of whiskey.
When the charter flight carrying the Norwegian national team touched down at Oslo Airport following their extra-time defeat to England, the awaiting media expected a sombre, exhausted squad. Instead, they got a viral masterpiece.
- Match: Norway vs England, World Cup Quarter-Final
- Result: England won after extra time
- Venue: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
- Date: July 2026
Stepping onto the tarmac, flanked by teammates and carrying a designer travel bag in his left hand, Haaland used his right arm to cradle a stuffed, glassy-eyed raccoon mounted on a wooden block, forever frozen in the act of drinking spirits. Taxidermy is the art of preserving and stuffing the skins of dead animals to make them look lifelike.
The bizarre cargo immediately sent social media into meltdown, sparking an online sensation that has eclipsed even the tactical post-mortems of Norway’s exit.
Origin of the Whiskey Raccoon
The origin of the rodent, now affectionately dubbed the “Whiskey Raccoon,” dates back to Norway’s stay in Texas. Following their Round of 32 triumph over the Ivory Coast, a relaxed Norwegian squad paid a visit to Wild Bill’s Western Store, a landmark boutique in downtown Dallas. Amidst the 10-gallon hats and hand-stitched cowboy boots, Haaland apparently locked eyes with the taxidermy novelty.
Haaland had teased the purchase earlier this month, sharing a Snapchat video of the taxidermied raccoon inside the store before ultimately deciding to buy it.
According to store staff, the Manchester City striker was instantly smitten by the bizarre piece of Americana, purchasing it on the spot. While teammates bought traditional boots and belts, Haaland chose to haul the preserved mammal across team hotels, team buses, and eventually, international airspace.
True to his towering personality, the striker did not try to hide his new companion.
Sharing a picture of himself and the stuffed raccoon on his social media channels, Haaland simply captioned it: “It followed me home.”
Key Player Stats
| Player | Stat |
|---|---|
| Erling Haaland (Norway) | 5 goals in World Cup 2026 |
| Erling Haaland (Career) | 38 goals in 42 international caps |
| Norway National Team | Quarter-final exit (best since 1998) |
Social Media Frenzy and Fan Naming Contest
The “Haaland effect” struck the retail world with customary speed. Within hours of the image going viral, Wild Bill’s reported a complete run on their taxidermy stock, with fans scrambling to buy replicas of the $750 souvenir.
The striker has since kept the online frenzy going, launching an Instagram poll to name his new mascot. Fans are currently voting between four Texas-themed options: Cowboy, Ranger, TEX, and the frontrunner, R.O.W. (an acronym for Raccoon on Wheels).
Norway may have missed out on the semi-finals, but in the battle for the tournament’s most memorable moment, Haaland has secured a landslide victory.
What’s Next for Haaland and Norway
With the World Cup behind them, Norway now turns to UEFA Nations League fixtures and 2028 European Championship qualifiers. Haaland will rejoin Manchester City for pre-season, where his new mascot is expected to make appearances at the Etihad. The raccoon has already become a symbol of Haaland’s larger-than-life persona, and fans are eager to see if it becomes a permanent fixture in his celebrations.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch Haaland’s next matches with Norway and Manchester City live on Sky Sports (UK), ESPN+ (USA), and Viaplay (Scandinavia). For World Cup highlights, check FIFA+.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Haaland buy a taxidermied raccoon?
Haaland purchased the $750 taxidermied raccoon from Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas during Norway’s World Cup stay in Texas. He was reportedly drawn to its novelty and humor, and it has since become a viral sensation.
What is the name of Haaland’s raccoon?
Haaland launched an Instagram poll for fans to name the raccoon, with options including Cowboy, Ranger, TEX, and R.O.W. (Raccoon on Wheels). The winner is yet to be announced.
How much did Haaland’s raccoon cost?
The taxidermied raccoon cost $750, according to store staff at Wild Bill’s Western Store.
Did Haaland’s raccoon affect Norway’s World Cup performance?
No, the raccoon was purchased after Norway’s Round of 32 win and did not impact their quarter-final loss to England. It has, however, dominated headlines post-tournament.
For more on World Cup drama, check out our coverage of England’s historic T20I series win and India’s must-win T20I.
