Erling Haaland Returns to Norway With Whiskey Raccoon

Haaland’s Quirky Return

Erling Haaland touched down in Oslo on Saturday, July 11, after the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. The Norwegian star arrived clutching a taxidermied raccoon that holds a whiskey bottle and a white and maroon Prada bag. Fans captured his arrival on camera, noting the unusual companion that had become a fixture of his tournament run.

The Viral Raccoon

In a quick social media post, Haaland joked, “It followed me home,” accompanying the picture with raccoon and laughing face emojis. He also launched an Instagram Stories poll to name the animal, offering four choices: “Cowboy,” “Ranger,” “TEX,” and “R.O.W. (Raccoon on Wheels).” The whimsical naming contest quickly gained traction among supporters.

• Cowboy
• Ranger
• TEX
• R.O.W. (Raccoon on Wheels)

From Dallas to Oslo

The raccoon, dubbed “Whiskey Raccoon,” originates from Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas, Texas, and reportedly cost $750. A clip posted earlier in the tournament shows Haaland with the same animal, confirming its presence throughout the competition. The store’s owners posted praises about the striker’s visit, even showcasing a display of Haaland merchandise.

Quarterfinal Exit and Emotional Farewell

Haaland guided Norway to the quarterfinals, where they fell 2‑1 to England, ending their World Cup run. After the loss, he shared a heartfelt message: “It’s been quite a row, thank you for making it so special.” In another post, he said goodbye to the United States, writing, “Goodbye 🇺🇸 It’s been emotional.” The striker later told the Associated Press that the journey “has changed my life.”

He also posted a selfie taken during the tournament, showing red tinted sunglasses, a backward baseball cap, and a black zip‑up jacket. The image captured his celebratory spirit despite the defeat.