Erling Haaland reached new heights of popularity after representing Norway at the 2026 World Cup, arriving at the tournament as one of the most prolific goalscorers in world football.
The striker was also part of one of the competition’s most exciting teams, with Norway impressing throughout the tournament. Their campaign came to an end in the quarterfinals following a defeat to England, but they left a strong impression during their first FIFA World Cup appearance in almost 30 years.
Haaland’s popularity continues to rise
Haaland played a key role in Norway’s successful qualification for the tournament, with his goals helping the national team secure their place at the competition. He also continued to deliver on the biggest stage, contributing important goals that helped Norway progress to the quarterfinals.
According to Dagbladet, Haaland had 40 million followers on Instagram when he travelled to the tournament. However, after enjoying a significant rise in popularity during the competition, he now has 75 million followers on the platform alone, with his other social media accounts also experiencing considerable growth.
World Cup exposure boosts global profile
Haaland attracted widespread attention for several positive reasons throughout the tournament. Among the moments that generated interest was the appearance of someone with his likeness who recreated some of his images, adding to the online conversation surrounding the Norwegian striker.
His performances on the pitch, combined with the increased attention he received away from football, have further strengthened his appeal among the Gen Z audience. The tournament provided another opportunity for him to expand his global profile and connect with an even wider fan base through social media.
With the new season now beginning, Haaland’s attention will soon return fully to football. Manchester City have a new manager, who is expected to continue placing his trust in the prolific forward. Given Haaland’s consistent goalscoring record and importance to his team, he remains a player capable of leading the attack and maintaining the high standards that have established him as one of the world’s elite strikers.
