Norway’s national team received a hero’s welcome in Oslo on Monday, with an estimated 90,000 supporters gathering to celebrate the country’s historic journey to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The team returned home two days after their dream run came to an end in Miami, where they suffered a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in the last eight. Despite the loss, the campaign marked Norway’s best-ever performance at football’s biggest tournament.
Fans filled the square outside the Royal Palace in the Norwegian capital to greet the players, who were welcomed with cheers and chants as they took part in the now-famous “Viking Row” celebration that became a symbol of their World Cup adventure.
Leading the festivities was Crown Prince Haakon, heir to Norway’s throne, who joined supporters in honouring the squad’s achievements. The royal, who had also travelled to Miami to watch the quarter-final clash against England, played the drums as celebrations unfolded.
Captain Martin Ødegaard expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support shown by fans, describing the reception as a special moment for the players.
“It’s simply incredible to see all the support we receive and to see how much the country is behind us,” the Arsenal midfielder told public broadcaster NRK.
The 27-year-old added that the turnout reflected the connection the team had built with supporters during a tournament that captured the imagination of the nation.
Norway’s remarkable campaign was spearheaded by striker Erling Haaland, who finished among the competition’s leading scorers with seven goals. The Manchester City forward played a key role in guiding the Scandinavian nation deep into the tournament, helping inspire hopes of future success on the international stage.
However, Haaland was absent from the official celebrations in Oslo. According to NRK, the striker had another flight to catch after landing in Norway earlier in the day.
Before departing, Haaland shared images on social media showing himself disembarking from the plane while carrying a stuffed raccoon clutching a bottle of alcohol, a post that quickly attracted attention online.
Although Norway fell short of a place in the semi-finals, the team’s performances have been widely hailed as a turning point for football in the country. Their run to the quarter-finals has sparked optimism that the current generation of players can establish Norway as a regular contender at major international tournaments.
For the thousands who gathered in Oslo, Monday’s celebration was not only a tribute to what the team had achieved in the United States but also a sign of belief in what could still lie ahead.
