Haaland, teammates receive heroes’ welcome in Norway after World Cup exit

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Supporters greet Norway national football team at Slottsplassen in Oslo on July 13, 2026. (Photo by Hans O. Torgersen / NTB / AFP) / Norway OUT

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Around 90,000 people welcomed back Norway’s players to Oslo on Monday after they returned home from making a historic run to the World Cup quarter-finals.

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Erling Haaland’s side were knocked out of the tournament on Saturday after losing 2-1 to England in extra-time in the last eight in Miami, their best result in the competition.

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The crowd packed the square in front of the royal palace in Norway’s capital city as the squad arrived around, and performed the now famous “Viking Row”,

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Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, the heir apparent to the country of 5.6 million’s throne, led the celebration with a drum — he was also present at the defeat in Miami.

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“It’s simply incredible to see all the support we receive and to see how much the country is behind us,” captain Martin Odegaard told public broadcasters NRK.

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“It’s really fantastic,” the Arsenal playmaker added.

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Haaland landed in Norway earlier in the day and was pictured on his social media walking from the plane holding a stuffed racoon with a glass bottle of alcohol in its claws.

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Broadcaster NRK said the Manchester City striker, who scored seven goals at the World Cup, was unable to attend as he had a plane to catch.

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AFP

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