Erling Haaland returned to Oslo on Monday, July 13, 2026, carrying an unusual souvenir from his time in the United States: a taxidermied “Whiskey Raccoon” purchased at Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas. The Norway striker, 25, disembarked from the national team’s flight following their 2-1 quarterfinal loss to England, drawing immediate attention for the figure, which is depicted holding a bottle.
A Viral Souvenir from Dallas
Haaland acquired the taxidermied animal during a visit to the Dallas-based store last month, shortly after Norway defeated the Ivory Coast in the Round of 32. According to store owner Julie Newport, Haaland purchased the raccoon himself during an hour-and-a-half visit where the store’s doors were locked to provide the team privacy.
The "Whiskey Raccoon," priced at $750, has become a focal point of online interest. Newport noted that the supplier’s taxidermist has retired, making the item’s availability limited. By July 13, the item was listed as sold out on the store’s website, though inventory was noted to be on the way. Haaland later took to social media to document the souvenir, posting on X, "It followed me home," and launching an Instagram poll to help name the figure. The suggested names include Cowboy, Ranger, TEX, and R.O.W. (Raccoon On Wheels).
Impact on Wild Bill’s Western Store
The soccer star’s visit has transformed the small business, which has operated in Dallas for nearly 50 years. Beyond the raccoon, Haaland purchased multiple cowboy hats, boots, a longhorn belt buckle, and a "Y’all can kiss my Dallas" T-shirt. The shirt’s popularity surged following Haaland’s public support, contributing to a massive influx of orders.
Newport reported that the store has received approximately 2,000 online orders recently, with about 30 percent coming from international customers. Prior to Haaland’s visit, the store did not have the capability to ship internationally, a feature that was added in response to the newfound global attention. The store has since set up a display featuring photos of the striker, which Newport described as a “shrine” that fans now visit to recreate his experience.
Haaland’s American Experience
The 2026 World Cup served as an off-field breakout for the Manchester City star, who gained more than 22 million Instagram followers during the tournament. Throughout his time in North America, Haaland expressed a clear affinity for the culture, telling reporters that he found Americans to be "hilarious" and "funny."
Regarding his visit to Dallas, Haaland shared his enthusiasm on his YouTube channel, calling the city "unbelievable" and "so nice." He expressed an intention to return, noting that the people he encountered were "enjoying life."
Summary of Known Items and Status
| Item | Status / Context |
|---|---|
| Whiskey Raccoon | Purchased for $750; currently sold out online. |
| "Y’all can kiss my Dallas" Shirt | Viral item; stock severely depleted by high demand. |
| Cowboy Hats/Boots | Purchased by Haaland; now highly sought by store visitors. |
| International Shipping | Newly activated at Wild Bill’s due to high demand. |
As the Norwegian squad returned home, the team was greeted by supporters, participating in a public celebration that included an open-top bus parade through Oslo. Crown Prince Haakon participated in the festivities, helping to lead a rowing celebration that had become a signature gesture for the team during their tournament run. Despite the quarterfinal exit, Haaland’s documented journey through the U.S. remains a significant point of cultural interest following the conclusion of the World Cup.
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