Football has once again proven that its influence reaches far beyond the pitch. In Peru, an extraordinary naming trend has emerged following Norway’s sensational run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to Iván Torres, spokesperson for Peru’s National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC), an astonishing 593 newborn babies have been registered with the name “Haaland” since the tournament began. The announcement was so surprising that Torres had to publicly confirm the figures after many people believed they were nothing more than an internet joke.

Among the registrations, four children were given the exact same name as Norway’s superstar striker, Erling Braut Haaland. Another 91 babies were named Erling Haaland, while the remaining 498 families decided that simply using Haaland was enough to honor the football icon.

The naming boom began immediately after Norway shocked the football world by defeating Brazil 2–1 in the Round of 16. Haaland scored both goals in the historic victory, sending Norway to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the nation’s history.

Peru has a long tradition of naming children after football legends. RENIEC’s records already include 3,402 people named Messi, 1,185 named Cristiano Ronaldo, and an incredible 33,809 named Neymar.

With seven goals in just four matches, Haaland has become one of the tournament’s biggest stars. If his remarkable performances continue, Peru’s growing list of children named after the Norwegian striker may only be the beginning of a brand-new football naming dynasty.

The phenomenon highlights football’s unique ability to inspire families across continents, turning unforgettable sporting moments into lifelong personal tributes.