Are you having 'withdrahaals'? Why the World Cup isn't the same without Erling Haaland

The Norway player, with his peculiar energy and meme-worthy presence, was an absolute joy to watch. Now, fans are left with Haaland-shaped holes in their hearts.

This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Started as a casual viewer, ended with an all-consuming obsession with a massive Scandinavian man. Erling Haaland, the 25-year-old striker for Norway, emerged as an internet sensation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

But after Norway's fairy-tale run ended Saturday with a 2-1 loss to England, Haaland's fans were hit with a devastating realization: Their summer with the beloved Viking had come to an end. Within days of the tournament kicking off, Haaland, with his record-shattering goal-scoring ability, giant stature and goofy, unfiltered personality, captured the hearts of soccer fans in the United States. It didn't matter which team you were rooting for, where your allegiance lay or how you stumbled upon Haaland to begin with — American World Cup viewers were united in their affection for him.

Did you jump on the Norway bandwagon after watching Haaland get startled by his own reflection? Were the comparisons between Haaland and Heated Rivalry's Ilya Rozanov what reeled you in? Or did his extensive Birkin collection solidify your need to stan?

"I like the Americans. I think they are kind of hilarious as well. They are funny.

I like the way they are," Haaland said of his newfound fame in America. "I think it's just good. And it's been, honestly, on every single thing, with the World Cup so far here, has been amazing."

Even after his World Cup run came to an end, Haaland has continued to make headlines. Following Saturday's loss against England, he stayed behind to take photos with fans and was the last Norway player to leave the stadium. Aw.

He's also very unpredictable in a "you really can't anticipate his next move" kind of way. Case in point? The avid Snapchat user and one-time rapper (yes, you read that correctly) returned to Oslo, Norway's capital, with a taxidermied raccoon holding an empty bottle of gin.

It turns out that he bought it at Wild Bill's Western Store, an iconic Dallas establishment, where he also rocked a pair of snakeskin cowboy boots and a cowboy hat with his initials and jersey number. (Julia Newport, the store's co-owner, told CNN that Haaland quickly "honed in" on the raccoon.) Going through withdrahaals This giant blond man, with his peculiar energy and meme-worthy presence, was an absolute joy to watch.

Now, fans are left with Haaland-shaped holes in their hearts. They're having withdrawals — or withdrahaals, if you will. "I wonder what erling haaland [is] doing [right now].

I miss him (i've been a lifelong fan since last week)," asked one fan, to which another replied, "I'm at a very Norwegian time in my life." On platforms like TikTok, which are saturated with viral edits of Haaland's goofiest on-field moments and his sweet bromance with England's Jude Bellingham, fans are looking for camaraderie as they imagine life without Haaland on their TV screens. "POV: you got emotionally attached to Haaland and Norway now you don't know how to get out of it," a TikTok user wrote as she wistfully sat in her car.

Another TikTok user said the 25-year-old soccer player was the whole reason she cosplayed as a World Cup fan. "Haaland was the only reason i was larping the wc and now he is gone," she admitted. Without Haaland in it, the World Cup, for many casual viewers, just isn't as fun anymore.

"Erling Haaland lost the World Cup and now the whole thing seems boring to me," one woman wrote. Keeping up with Haaland Worry not, American fans: The World Cup isn't the last time we'll get to see Haaland in action. The endearing athlete plays for Manchester City in England's Premier League, whose season kicks off in mid-August.

You can catch Manchester City matches on Peacock, with select matches airing on NBC, NBC Sports or USA. "Giiiirls don't be too sad bout Norway's elimination. If you think you'll miss Haaland just start watching Premier League," one TikTok user suggested.

"[I swear to God] he's even funnier in ManCity and you get to see him every week." Haaland and Manchester City will also compete in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League, which streams on Paramount+.

They'll also make appearances during the two English cups, the Carabao Cup and the Football Association Challenge Cup, which stream on Paramount+ and ESPN+, respectively. Until then, expect to catch Haaland sitting front row at major runway shows. If his recent attendance at Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda and Alta Sartoria shows in Sicily is any indication, our high-fashion Viking, with his designer handbags, luxury watches and chic off-the-pitch looks, is ready for his close-up.

As he should be!