Father Watched Football During Childbirth; Daughter Named After Haaland

Pulse Sports Team 14:39 - 03 July 2026

A couple in a Norwegian village named their newborn after football international Erling Haaland. The baby girl was born precisely at the minute the Norwegian striker scored the winning goal in the World Cup Round of 16 match against Ivory Coast (2:1).

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The baby girl was given the feminine version of the name "Erle." "When I felt it was coming, I heard a loud cheer from my husband, who is a huge football fan. I immediately knew something else must have happened," said mother Lene, according to DPA.

Haaland's goal inspired father Bjarte to reconsider the couple's name choice. "We hadn't fully decided yet and had several names on our shortlist. Erle wasn't on the list, but then my partner suddenly mentioned that name – and so it happened," Lene added.

Norway will face five-time world champions Brazil in the Round of 16. The match will be played in East Rutherford on Sunday at 10:00 PM CEST.