Historic World Cup Team Receives Heroes’ Welcome
More than 100,000 football supporters packed the streets of Oslo on Monday, July 13, to welcome Norway’s national team home after its historic World Cup campaign ended in the quarter-finals.
Norway’s players returned home two days after suffering a painful 2-1 extra-time defeat against England. The loss ended the country’s hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals, but it failed to weaken the sense of pride created by the team’s remarkable tournament run.
The homecoming transformed central Oslo into a sea of Norwegian flags. Fans gathered under the summer sun several hours before the players arrived, filling the grounds outside the Royal Palace and stretching along Karl Johans gate, the capital’s main ceremonial street.
Norway’s World Cup journey carried special significance because it marked the country’s first appearance at the tournament since 1998. The team’s run to the quarter-finals captured national attention and created some of the largest football celebrations seen in Norway.
The squad’s aircraft received a traditional water cannon salute after landing in Norway. The players then travelled to central Oslo for a royal reception and a major public celebration.
Royal Reception and Final ‘Viking Row’ Unite Supporters
Before greeting the crowds, the Norwegian squad attended an audience with King Harald at the Royal Palace.
The players later appeared on the palace steps as members of the Royal Guard stood behind them. Tens of thousands of supporters cheered, waved flags and celebrated the team’s achievements throughout the tournament.
One of the most memorable moments came when Crown Prince Haakon led the crowd in a final “Viking Row.” The celebration, inspired by the movement of Viking boat rowers, became closely associated with Norway’s supporters during the World Cup.
Fans performed the routine by sitting or crouching together before moving their arms in rhythm. The chant and rowing movement were repeatedly seen during Norway’s matches and at public gatherings in Oslo and the United States.
Norwegian supporter Catherine Breiland said the team’s performances had created an extraordinary atmosphere among fans at home and abroad. She described the national pride surrounding the squad as unbelievable.
However, striker Erling Haaland was absent from the final part of the palace celebration. Norway coach Stale Solbakken explained that Haaland and midfielder Sander Berge had to leave early to catch flights after the team’s journey from the United States was delayed by four hours.
Their departure meant Haaland was unable to join his teammates for the final “Viking Row” from the palace steps.
Despite the absence of Norway’s star striker, the crowd continued celebrating the entire squad. Supporters praised the players for taking Norway deeper into the World Cup than many had expected.
Open-Top Bus Struggles Through Massive Oslo Crowds
Following the royal reception, Norway’s players continued their homecoming celebration aboard an open-top double-decker bus.
The parade was scheduled to travel approximately 1.3 kilometers through central Oslo before ending at City Hall Square. However, the enormous number of supporters made progress extremely difficult.
Crowds surrounded the bus and repeatedly brought it to a halt. Police escorts struggled to clear a route through the city centre, and the vehicle was reportedly forced to reverse at one stage.
The players remained in high spirits throughout the slow-moving parade. They waved Norwegian flags, celebrated with drinks and thanked the supporters lining the streets.
The parade continued long after darkness fell, with fans remaining in central Oslo to honour the team.
There was also an unusual moment when low-hanging overhead cables blocked the bus. Players standing on the upper deck were instructed to sit down so the vehicle could safely pass beneath the obstruction.
The incident carried an ironic connection to Norway’s quarter-final defeat. Solbakken had earlier said he believed the ball struck a camera cable above the pitch before Jude Bellingham scored England’s equalising goal.
FIFA rejected that claim and said available technology showed that the ball had not touched an overhead wire before the goal.
After several hours, the parade finally reached City Hall Square. Tens of thousands of supporters were still waiting to greet the players and coaching staff.
Quarter-Final Defeat Fails to Overshadow Historic Campaign
Norway had taken the lead against England through Andreas Schjelderup in the World Cup quarter-final in Miami Gardens.
Bellingham later equalised before scoring again in extra time to secure England’s 2-1 victory and a place in the semi-finals. The result ended Norway’s campaign after one of the strongest World Cup performances in the country’s football history.
Norway had already produced a major upset by defeating Brazil 2-1 in the previous round. That victory sent the team into the quarter-finals and triggered massive celebrations in Oslo, where police estimated that tens of thousands of people gathered in the city centre.
The defeat against England therefore brought disappointment, but supporters focused on the progress made by the team rather than the result.
Fan Nicolai Sivesind said Norway’s performances had exceeded expectations. He called on the country to honour the players for their achievements throughout the tournament.
The team’s success also strengthened excitement around Norwegian football and introduced a new generation of supporters to the national side.
Captain Martin Odegaard admitted that neither the players nor officials had expected such a large homecoming.
He said the support received from Norwegian fans in the United States and at home had gone beyond every expectation.
The Oslo celebration showed that Norway’s World Cup campaign had become about more than results. Although England ended the team’s journey on the pitch, the players returned home as national heroes after uniting the country through an unforgettable tournament.
