Norway’s national football team received a rousing welcome in Oslo after returning home from their historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, despite bowing out in the quarter-finals.
Tens of thousands of supporters gathered outside the Royal Palace to celebrate the team, which achieved Norway’s best-ever performance at the FIFA World Cup.
Massive Celebration in Oslo
An estimated 90,000 fans filled the palace square to greet the players following their 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in the quarter-finals in Miami.
Players took to the stage alongside supporters and recreated the now-famous “Viking Row” celebration that became one of the defining images of Norway’s memorable tournament.
The celebrations continued with a nearly two-hour open-top bus parade through Karl Johans gate, followed by another public gathering at Rådhusplassen, where fans continued cheering the squad late into the evening.
Players and Coach Thank Fans
Norway captain Martin Ødegaard expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support.
“I don’t think anyone could have imagined this. The support we’ve received has been beyond all expectations, both in the US and here at home in Norway. It’s been absolutely incredible.”
Head coach Ståle Solbakken said even the team was surprised by the scale of the reception.
“The King prepared us for what was coming. We were a little surprised too that it was so huge.”
Haaland Misses the Celebrations
Star striker Erling Haaland, Norway’s leading scorer during the tournament, was unable to attend the public celebrations as he had to catch a flight to Italy shortly after returning from the United States.
Historic World Cup Campaign
Norway’s journey ended with a quarter-final loss to England, but the team’s impressive performances throughout the tournament captured the imagination of fans back home.
The campaign marked Norway’s deepest-ever run at a FIFA World Cup, sparking nationwide celebrations and reaffirming the country’s growing stature in international football.
