Erling Haaland Pays $10K Taxidermy Bill After World Cup Shopping Spree

Erling Haaland settled a $10,000 Wild Bill's Western Store bill on 28 Jun 2026, after the Norway striker bought a taxidermied raccoon and other Texas memorabilia following the team’s 2-1 Round-of-32 win over Côte d’Ivoire.

What sparked the $10K charge?

During a post-match visit to Dallas, Haaland and several Norway teammates toured Wild Bill’s, a Texas-style shop famed for cowboy hats, boots and novelty taxidermy. The striker filmed the trip for his YouTube vlog, then showcased a raccoon clutching a liquor bottle. The store’s owner, Julie Newport, confirmed the purchase cost $750, with two additional taxidermy squirrels at $450 each, plus a shirt reading “Y’all Can Kiss My Dallas.”

How did Haaland handle the tab?

According to TMZ, Haaland personally covered the entire $10,000 invoice, a move that surprised both teammates and staff. The bill arrived hours after Norway’s 2-1 victory, and Haaland’s decision to pay was framed as a gesture of gratitude toward the host shop, which had welcomed the Norwegian squad for over 90 minutes of shopping.

Why does this matter for Haaland’s brand?

Beyond his seven-goal haul in five World Cup matches, Haaland’s purchase underscores his growing off-field profile. Newport noted a surge in international orders after the incident, with 30 % of Wild Bill’s 2,000 online sales now coming from abroad. Haaland’s social-media post about the raccoon sparked a wave of online interest, turning a quirky souvenir into a marketing catalyst for the store.

What’s next for Norway and Haaland?

Norway’s World Cup journey ended on 4 Jul 2026 with a 2-1 quarter-final loss to England, where Haaland was subbed out in extra time. Coach Stale Solbakken said the substitution was inevitable due to fatigue and a “dead leg.” While the tournament is over, Haaland’s Texas adventure adds a memorable footnote to his 2026 season, illustrating how his personality can drive headlines as loudly as his goals.