When Erling Braut Haaland announced that his Norway shirt will now read "Braut Haaland" instead of the familiar "Haaland," the football world took note. The 25‑year‑old striker, who scores for Manchester City in the Premier League, made the switch ahead of a crucial stretch of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. The move matters because it signals a personal branding shift on the international stage while Norway sits atop Group I, unbeaten in four games.
Background of the Jersey Change
The decision was revealed in a short video posted by the Norwegian Football Association on August 28, 2025. In the clip, Haaland explained that the middle name "Braut" – a family name passed down from his mother’s side – has been a constant part of his identity off the pitch. "It’s a tribute to my roots," he said. While his club kit continues to display only "Haaland," the national team opted to honour his full name for the upcoming fixtures in Oslo and beyond.
Fans in Oslo were already buzzing after the announcement, with social‑media hashtags like #BrautHaaland trending within hours. The change will appear on the jersey for the September 4 friendly against Finland and the September 9 qualifier versus Moldova.
Haaland’s International Scoring Feats
Beyond the name change, Haaland’s on‑field résumé offers plenty of reasons to watch the man in a new jersey. On 10 October 2024, he netted a brace against Slovenia in a Nations League clash, lifting his tally to 34 goals and surpassing Jørgen Juve’s 1937 record to become Norway’s all‑time top scorer at just 24.
He followed that up on 17 November 2024 with a fourth international hat‑trick in a 5‑0 demolition of Kazakhstan, propelling Norway into League A of the UEFA Nations League for the first time. Perhaps the most eye‑catching performance came on 9 September 2025, when he scored five goals and added two assists in an 11‑1 rout of Moldova – the first European male player to hit five in a single qualifier since Hans Krankl in 1977.
In total, Haaland has recorded six hat‑tricks for Norway, including a five‑goal burst during the September 2021 World Cup qualifying window and a brace against Cyprus on 12 October 2023 that pushed his goal‑per‑game ratio to 1.0.
Norway’s Qualifying Campaign
Norway entered the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle with a clean sheet of victories. After beating Italy 3‑0 on 6 June 2025 – their first win over the Azzurri in 25 years – they kept the momentum rolling. The squad, coached by Ståle Solbakken, currently leads Group I with four wins from four matches.
Upcoming fixtures are pivotal. The September 4 friendly against Finland in Oslo serves as a tactical rehearsal, while the September 9 qualifier against Moldova could cement Norway’s position at the top of the group. A win there would guarantee a direct berth to the World Cup, eliminating the need for a playoff.
Reactions from Team, Fans, and Media
Team captain Martin Ødegaard praised the change, noting, "Erling wants his name to reflect his whole family. It’s a small thing, but it shows his humility and pride." The coach, Solbakken, added, "The shirt is just a symbol – the real work happens on the pitch. Haaland’s form gives us confidence, and now his name will be on the front page of every Norwegian newspaper."
Supporters in Oslo gathered outside the stadium on the night before the Finland match, chanting "Braut Haaland!" while waving scarves bearing the new lettering. Sports journalists in the UK and Norway have called the move a savvy branding tweak that could boost merchandise sales globally, especially given Haaland’s soaring popularity at Manchester City.
What the Change Means for Norway’s World Cup Hopes
In a candid interview with TIME magazine earlier this year, Haaland estimated Norway’s chances of winning the tournament at a "0.5%" probability. He also admitted that a World Cup appearance would be "the biggest party ever," envisioning streets of Oslo packed with jubilant fans.
The name change may seem cosmetic, but it reinforces a narrative: Norway is stepping onto the world stage with a distinct identity, anchored by a striker who is rewriting the record books. If the team clinches the group, the "Braut Haaland" brand could become synonymous with a new era of Scandinavian football dominance.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the next few months will test both the squad’s depth and Haaland’s consistency. A potential knockout‑stage draw against a heavyweight nation will test whether the new jersey brings any extra luck. Meanwhile, Manchester City will continue to monitor his workload, ensuring he remains fit for both club and country.
Regardless of the outcome, the decision to wear "Braut Haaland" on the national shirt will be remembered as a subtle yet powerful statement of heritage – a reminder that behind every goal lies a personal story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Haaland decide to add "Braut" to his Norway jersey?
Haaland said the middle name honors his mother’s side of the family and reflects his personal identity. The change was presented as a tribute rather than a marketing stunt.
Will the name change affect his Manchester City shirt?
No. The club kit will continue to display simply "Haaland". The alteration applies solely to Norway’s national team uniform for upcoming fixtures.
How does the jersey change impact Norway’s World Cup qualifying chances?
The change itself doesn’t alter performance, but it reflects a cohesive team spirit. Norway currently leads Group I with a perfect record, and a win against Moldova on September 9 would secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
What have coaches and teammates said about the new jersey?
Both coach Ståle Solbakken and captain Martin Ødegaard praised the move as a sign of personal pride. They emphasized that the focus remains on team tactics and results.
Could the "Braut Haaland" branding boost merchandise sales?
Analysts predict a spike in jersey sales, especially in Europe and Asia, where Haaland’s popularity is soaring. The unique name offers a fresh marketing angle for the Norwegian FA.
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