Full Breakdown
Erling Haaland’s “Whiskey Raccoon” Becomes a Viral World Cup Souvenir
7/15/2026, 6:44:03 AM
Core Event: Taxidermied Raccoon Purchased in Dallas
Norway’s striker Erling Haaland bought a taxidermied raccoon holding an empty liquor bottle from Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas, Texas, after Norway’s round-of-32 victory over Ivory Coast on June 30, 2026. The figure, dubbed the “Whiskey Raccoon,” was priced at $750. Haaland also acquired two taxidermy squirrels—one dressed as a sheriff and another posed with a Budweiser can—each listed at $450. He carried the raccoon off the team plane at Oslo’s Gardermoen Airport on July 13, 2026, the day after Norway’s quarter-final loss to England.
Background & Context: Norway’s 2026 World Cup Run
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked Norway’s first appearance in the tournament in 26 years. Haaland scored seven goals in five matches, propelling Norway to the quarter-finals, where they fell 2–1 to England on July 11, 2026. His on-field exploits and off-field humor generated a surge of U.S. followers, adding roughly 12 million Instagram followers during the competition.
Data & Statistics: Sales Surge and Pricing
- Whiskey Raccoon: $750 (sold out after Haaland’s posts).
- Taxidermy squirrels: $450 each (also sold out).
- Store revenue impact: Wild Bill’s reported a “wild ride” of international orders, adding shipping destinations that now include Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Australia.
- Social-media reach: Haaland’s Instagram post featuring the raccoon earned 6.6 million likes; his story poll attracted thousands of votes.
Official Statements & Responses
Store co-owner Julie Newport explained the unexpected demand: “We opened up international shipping for the first time ever, and so we started shipping to Norway, to Germany, to the UK.” She added that three additional raccoons are on order and will arrive “next week” pending the maker’s retirement status. Store owner Cody Newport (FOX 4) praised the visit, saying, “We exude the Dallas welcome, the southern hospitality. For him to want to come in and hang out is everything.”
Haaland himself reflected on the episode, noting, “I think it’s a good thing because I like the Americans,” during a post-match press conference, and later wrote on X, “Goodbye ?? It’s been emotional,” as he departed the United States.
Criticism & Opposition
No substantive criticism of the purchase emerged in the reporting. Commentary focused on the light-hearted nature of the souvenir and its marketing impact for the Dallas store.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Bottle type: Some outlets described the raccoon’s bottle as whiskey, while CBC noted it held gin.
- Squirrel pricing: Sources list squirrel prices at $450, $500, and $632 CAD, indicating inconsistent reporting.
- Purchase total: One report claimed Haaland spent $10,000 on souvenirs for the entire Norwegian squad; other articles did not confirm this figure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It followed me home.” — Erling Haaland, Instagram post
- “I think it’s a good thing because I like the Americans,” — Erling Haaland, team news conference
- “We opened up international shipping for the first time ever, and so we started shipping to Norway, to Germany, to the UK,” — Julie Newport, store co-owner
- “We exude the Dallas welcome, the southern hospitality. For him to want to come in and hang out is everything,” — Cody Newport, store owner (FOX 4)
- “I’m quite happy with my life. I’m enjoying it. I’m in a good place. And … I mean, it’s kind of difficult to take in the kind of … show or rollercoaster that we have been in now for the last six weeks. There has been so much pressure, so much feeling. It has been … unreal, honestly,” — Erling Haaland, post-quarterfinal interview
What’s Next
Wild Bill’s has listed the Whiskey Raccoon as sold out and is processing back-order requests. The store’s new international-shipping program suggests further exposure to European fans, while Haaland’s viral moment continues to drive traffic to the shop’s online catalog.
