Erling Haaland, the star striker for Manchester City, reportedly spent $10,000 on cowboy-themed souvenirs and embraced aspects of American culture during Norway's recent World Cup appearance. The tournament marked Norway's first World Cup participation this century, during which Haaland captured the attention of soccer fans across the United States.
Midway through the competition, Haaland was among several Norwegian players and staff who visited Wild Bill's Western Store in Dallas. The group purchased items including cowboy boots, western shirts, hip flasks, jackets, and cowboy hats, accumulating a $10,000 bill that Haaland covered. He acquired a t-shirt with the phrase "Y'all can kiss my Dallas" and four cowboy hats, at least one bearing his "EH9" initials. He also received advice on hat care, including storing them brim-down to preserve their shape and "luck."
Haaland's purchases also included novelty items, such as a taxidermy raccoon holding a bottle, which is said to have cost $750, and two stuffed squirrels, one adorned with a sheriff hat and the other with a can of Budweiser, costing $900. He was later pictured with the raccoon after his return flight, humorously stating it "followed me home."
The shopping excursion occurred shortly after Norway's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the round of 32, a match where Haaland scored a late goal. He expressed enjoyment of his time in Texas, signing soccer balls, posters, and hats at the store. Following his visit, Wild Bill's Western Store experienced a surge in demand for the "Y'all can kiss my Dallas" t-shirt.
Other members of the Norwegian team also participated in the souvenir shopping. Midfielder Sander Berge purchased a personalized "El Presidente" hat. Berge commented on the team's positive experience, stating, "Family and friends are here, what a group to do it with and everyone at home rooting for us. It's special... I think we're peaking in life... it's all downhill from here."
The team's World Cup journey was notable not only for their performance but also for their "Viking Row" celebrations, which gained viral attention. Haaland also engaged in other American experiences, including meeting rapper Travis Scott, attending Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights, and touring New York City with his girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen. While in New York, he visited Times Square and Katz's Delicatessen. 
On the field, Haaland scored seven goals and provided one assist, contributing to Norway's most successful World Cup performance. He acknowledged the pressure associated with national expectations, stating, "It's pressure, of course, but I like that... That's what you want as a player. People expect things from us and from me. That's normal. I just focus on my job and try to deliver."