![World Cup: Players with most knockout-phase goals in history [Top 20]](https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/World-Cup-matches.jpeg "World Cup: Players with most knockout-phase goals in history [Top 20]")
By Frank Ulom
Erling Haaland has been one of the standout players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but many fans have also noticed something different about the Norway striker. Instead of the familiar “Haaland” on the back of his shirt, his jersey reads “Braut Haaland”.
The change is neither a mistake nor a new nickname. It is a deliberate decision by the Manchester City striker to wear his full family name while representing Norway, paying tribute to both his father and mother and embracing Norwegian naming traditions.
Why ‘Braut Haaland’?
The striker’s full legal name is Erling Braut Haaland.
“Braut” comes from his mother, Gry Marita Braut, a former Norwegian heptathlete, while “Haaland” comes from his father, former Premier League footballer Alf-Inge Haaland. Although he has long been known simply as “Haaland” during his club career, he decided to use “Braut Haaland” on his Norway shirt from 2025 onwards.
The move reflects his desire to honour his maternal family while also following a naming tradition that is recognised in Norway. At Manchester City, he continues to use “Haaland” because it is the name by which he is globally recognised, but on international duty he proudly displays his full family identity.
Outstanding World Cup debut
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks Haaland’s first appearance at football’s biggest tournament, and he has quickly established himself as one of its most dangerous forwards.
He announced himself in spectacular fashion by scoring twice in Norway’s 4-1 victory over Iraq in their opening Group I match. Those goals sparked wild celebrations across Norway, with reports even claiming that the celebrations generated measurable ground vibrations in parts of the country.
Haaland followed that performance with another brace in Norway’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Senegal, helping his country qualify for the knockout stage before the final group game.
Rested against France
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken opted to rest Haaland for the final group-stage match against France.
Without their leading striker, Norway suffered a heavy defeat but had already secured qualification for the Round of 32. The decision was made to keep the 25-year-old fresh for the knockout stages and preserve his fitness after an intense run of matches.
Knockout impact
Haaland returned for Norway’s Round of 32 clash with Ivory Coast and proved decisive once again.
After a tightly contested encounter, he scored the winning goal late in the match to send Norway into the Round of 16. Although he admitted afterwards that fatigue had affected him during the game, his decisive finish underlined his importance to the national team.
Norway’s reward is a Round of 16 meeting with Brazil, where Haaland is once again expected to lead the attack against one of the tournament favourites.
Chasing the Golden Boot
Haaland has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Through Norway’s opening knockout match, he has scored five goals:
- Two against Iraq.
- Two against Senegal.
- One against Ivory Coast.
His tally has kept him among the competition’s top scorers despite missing the group-stage match against France.
Norway’s talisman
Beyond his goals, Haaland has become the symbol of Norway’s return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. His movement, physical presence and finishing have transformed Norway into one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
Whether wearing “Haaland” for Manchester City or “Braut Haaland” for Norway, the striker has demonstrated that the name on the back of his shirt represents more than football. It reflects his pride in his family heritage while his performances on the pitch continue to strengthen his reputation as one of the world’s most feared goalscorers.
