World Cup 2026: Erling Haaland sparks meme craze, wins over fans online

The 2026 World Cup is not only delivering thrilling matches but also crowning Erling Haaland as an undeniable meme star. The Norwegian striker, a top scorer in the tournament, has transformed into a viral phenomenon thanks to his charisma both on and off the field.

The internet frenzy began when users noticed a striking physical resemblance between Haaland and Majin Buu, the iconic villain from Dragon Ball Z. A post on the urban culture account Hidden NY compiling these comparisons exploded online within hours. The situation escalated when Haaland himself commented on the post, stating, "I mean, I'm not disagreeing," a remark that garnered over 119,000 likes and nearly 873,000 replies.

While the Majin Buu comparison isn't entirely new, dating back to January 2021 during his time at Borussia Dortmund, the 2026 World Cup has propelled it to another level. Fan art, AI-generated edits, and short videos featuring the comparison are flooding social media platforms.

Haaland's viral appeal extends beyond the Majin Buu meme. Another popular video shows him startling at his own reflection in a restaurant mirror. A humorous edit placing him alongside Vinicius Jr. before a Brazil-Norway match, inspired by the movie "White Chicks," was also shared by Haaland himself, tagging the Brazilian player. These digital moments underscore his ability to connect with fans through humor and self-awareness.

With 60.6 million Instagram followers, Haaland demonstrates he closely monitors online discussions about him and readily joins in the jokes. His distinctive goal celebration style, his running form often compared to an ostrich's, and his humorous, absurd content on Snapchat have solidified his status as one of the most beloved figures of the 2026 World Cup. As Norway prepares to face England in the quarterfinals, Haaland aims to translate this digital effervescence into on-field success, carrying the hopes of millions of fans.

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I mean, I'm not disagreeing