Manchester City player Erling Haaland included his mother’s surname on his uniform, positioned above the number 9. This detail captured the attention of countless football fans during Norway’s first World Cup match, against Iraq.

The great star of the Norwegian national team, Erling Haaland, started his participation in the world tournament with two goals, contributing to the 4-1 victory against Iraq. After his outstanding performance, the fans not only observed the celebrations, but also noticed a visible change in his attire: the Manchester City striker changed the name printed on his shirt, above the numeral 9.

As noted, Erling now displays both surnames on his Norwegian team uniform: Braut Haaland. This practice is not rare, as many athletes choose to display the family names of their two parents on their uniforms. On digital platforms, the attacker often introduces himself using his full name.

Striker Erling Haaland represents the greatest expectation for Norway, a nation that has not participated in a World Cup since 1998.

The name “Haaland”, which made him famous globally, originates from his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, a former professional football player. In turn, the surname “Braut” was passed down from his mother, Gry Marita Braut, who was a renowned Norwegian athlete in the heptathlon. This change in uniform therefore serves as a gesture of tribute to his mother.

With Erling Haaland as its central figure, the Norwegian team aims to have an outstanding campaign in the World Cup, a tournament that the country has not participated in since 1998. Norway is in Group I, along with Iraq, France and Senegal. World runners-up France beat Senegal 3-1 in the opening match.

In this way, France and Norway position themselves as the favorites to advance to the next stages of the group, which increases the importance of the direct confrontation between them in defining first place. Additionally, this game will mark another episode in the rivalry between Haaland and Mbappé, both athletes sharing the lead in the 2026 World Cup top scorers table.