More than 100,000 fans packed the streets of Oslo to celebrate Norway’s national football team after its historic FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a dramatic quarter-final defeat to England.
Norway’s national football team received a spectacular homecoming on Monday as more than 100,000 supporters gathered in Oslo to celebrate the squad’s memorable FIFA World Cup campaign despite their quarter-final elimination.
The Norwegian side’s impressive run came to an end with a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England on Saturday, but the heartbreaking loss did little to dampen the nation’s pride as fans turned the team’s return into a massive celebration.
Thousands Welcome Team Home
The squad arrived in Oslo to a traditional water cannon salute before beginning a victory parade through the Norwegian capital.
Large crowds gathered outside the Royal Palace, with supporters filling the palace grounds and lining the famous Karl Johans gate hours before the players arrived.
The team first attended an audience with King Harald V before appearing on the palace balcony to greet cheering supporters.
Members of the Royal Guard stood at attention as the players thanked fans for their unwavering support throughout the tournament.
Haaland Misses Final Celebration
Star striker Erling Haaland was absent from the final stage of the celebrations after leaving early to catch a flight.
Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken explained that Haaland and midfielder Sander Berge had to depart because the team’s return journey from the United States was delayed by four hours.
Their early departure meant Haaland missed the team’s traditional “Viking row” celebration, which was led by Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway on the drums.
Parade Delayed by Overhead Cables
The open-top bus parade encountered an unusual obstacle when low-hanging overhead cables forced players to sit down temporarily so the vehicle could safely continue along its route.
The incident sparked comparisons with Norway’s controversial World Cup quarter-final defeat, where Solbakken argued the ball may have struck a camera cable moments before Jude Bellingham scored England’s equalizing goal.
However, FIFA has repeatedly denied that the ball made contact with any overhead wire.
Odegaard Thanks Supporters
The parade concluded at City Hall Square, where thousands of fans continued celebrating long after the team’s arrival.
Captain Martin Ødegaard thanked supporters for standing behind the team throughout the tournament.
Speaking to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Ødegaard said the support received both in the United States and back home had exceeded all expectations and made the team’s historic World Cup journey even more memorable.
Although Norway narrowly missed a place in the semi-finals, the team’s performances have reignited optimism for the future of Norwegian football and inspired nationwide celebrations.
