Erling Haaland Adds Mother's Surname Braut to Norway Shirt for FIFA World Cup 2026

Norway striker Erling Haaland incorporates his mother's maiden name on his international jersey for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Haaland's shirt name choice Norway's top striker Erling Haaland has decided to include the name 'Braut' on his national team shirt. While his club shirts only display the surname Haaland—his father Alf-Inge's last name—he has opted to add his mother Gry Marita Braut's maiden name for international matches. This practice of combining both parents' surnames is a common tradition in Norwegian culture. His parents, Alf-Inge Haaland and Gry Marita Braut, both had sporting careers—his father as a former Premier League player and his mother as a former elite heptathlete. ## Change in surname usage During his early professional years at Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund, Erling Haaland was known by his double surname. However, he stopped using 'Braut' while playing for Borussia Dortmund and later for Manchester City. When required to announce his full name for a World Cup media session, the 25-year-old striker pronounced himself as Erling Braut Haaland. ## International shirt variation Unlike his club jerseys, Haaland's Norway shirt features the additional surname 'Braut.' The national team shirt now displays his full family name, reflecting his Norwegian heritage and cultural naming customs. ## More sports explanations - Why have there been two World Cup trophies? - What is 'Snicko' and how does it work? - Will three points guarantee a spot in World Cup knockouts? - FIFA World Cup 2026