​Erling Haaland has emerged as a surprisingly influential figure on social media during the 2026 World Cup in North America, with his growing popularity linked to both his stellar performances and his distinctive persona. Norway’s run in this summer’s tournament has exceeded expectations in no small measure, and Haaland’s presence has played a significant role in that achievement. The Manchester City striker has become a magnet for online chatter, with fans and commentators alike drawn to his interviews and his overall demeanor, which have sparked a wave of memes and appreciations across various platforms.
In a recent feature, a CBS reporter attempted to mirror Haaland’s eating routine for a day, venturing to Manchester, England—Haaland’s hometown—to sample some of the forward’s preferred dining spots. The media piece highlighted a local sandwich shop that even features a menu item named in Haaland’s honor, underscoring how deeply the Norwegian star has embedded himself in the city’s culture. Speaking about Haaland’s diet, the CBS journalist explained the challenge of adopting the Viking-inspired eating plan: “Could you eat like a Viking for a day? We’re in Manchester, England, which is actually Erling Haaland’s, the Viking’s, hometown. We’re visiting some of his favorite food spots. He’s famous around here for eating raw whole foods, but a whole lot of them, like 6,000 calories. So we’re going to see if we can do the same. Wish us luck.”
The report detailed the day’s meals, beginning with breakfast: “Four eggs scrambled, two slices of sourdough toast, a black coffee with a splash of maple syrup, and, lastly, a bowl of yogurt. This is the Erling Haaland diet… We’re going to have raw milk.” The journey continued to a second stop at Haaland’s go-to Italian sandwich shop, where the reporter described sampling a creation named after the striker: Parmama, a sandwich packed with burrata, sun-dried tomatoes, rocket, truffle oil, and pesto. The reporter noted feeling increasingly full as the meal progressed: “Parmama is delicious. I am starting to feel very full.”
For the final stage of the day, the reporter opted for a substantial dinner, choosing a tomahawk steak paired with bone marrow. By the end of the day, he admitted defeat, acknowledging that even with a crew assist, finishing the heroic feast was an arduous task: “I tried my best but have to admit defeat. I needed the crew to come in and help me finish that steak. It turns out eating like a Viking is delicious, but it is not easy.”
Haaland and his Norway teammates are preparing for a World Cup quarter-final clash against England on Saturday. Their progress has already marked a historic milestone by reaching the knockout stage, the quarter-finals, for the first time in the nation’s history. Haaland himself remains a leading contender for the Golden Boot, with seven goals to his name, although Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé have moved ahead with eight goals apiece at this stage of the tournament. The story surrounding Haaland this summer extends beyond his on-pitch exploits, as his personality and habits continue to capture headlines and spark discussion among fans around the world.