Erling Haaland treated his Norway squad to an extravagant $10,000 shopping expedition at Wild Bill's Western Store in Dallas during the 2026 World Cup, purchasing everything from custom cowboy boots to a taxidermy raccoon clutching a liquor bottle. The Manchester City striker covered the entire bill for players and staff after his country secured a historic quarter-final appearance—their first World Cup since 1998.
The group visited the legendary western emporium shortly after Norway's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the round of 32. According to footage from Haaland's YouTube channel, the forward and his teammates loaded up on traditional cowboy hats, western shirts, hip flasks, and leather belts. Store owners temporarily closed their doors to the public, allowing the Nordic contingent to shop freely and enjoy the authentic Texas experience without disruption. When the cashier tallied the bill, Haaland stepped forward without hesitation, remarking with dry humour: "Someone needs to." His generosity extended across an eye-catching collection of items, including four custom cowboy hats—which he learned to store upside down according to local folklore that "keeps your luck in your hat."
The Taxidermy Trophy Haul
Haaland's most memorable acquisitions proved far more eccentric. He splurged $750 on a stuffed raccoon posed with a bottle of liquor and another $900 on two taxidermied squirrels, one dressed as a western sheriff. The raccoon became so iconic that Haaland posted a photograph on social media stepping off the aircraft with the creature tucked under his arm, captioning it: "It followed me home." Midfielder Sander Berge also customized a personalized hat during the outing, later describing the shopping trip as a highlight amid Norway's fairytale tournament run.
Berge reflected on the broader experience: "I'm having the time of my life in between the games and then you're playing the most enjoyable games of football ever. Family and friends are here, what a group to do it with and everyone at home rooting for us. It's special." The squad's unexpected success captivated American audiences, with their distinctive goal celebrations sparking viral moments across social media platforms.
Norway's journey ended in heartbreak when they fell 2-1 to England in the quarter-finals, but the tournament represented a watershed moment for Scandinavian football on the global stage. Haaland now turns his focus toward Manchester City's pre-season preparations under new manager Enzo Maresca, beginning a fresh chapter after Pep Guardiola's decade-long tenure concluded at the end of the domestic season.
