Norway Gives Erling Haaland a Hero's Welcome After Historic 2026 World Cup Run
2026-07-13
Erling Haaland and the Norway national team returned home to a spectacular welcome on Monday, as tens of thousands of supporters filled the streets of Oslo to celebrate the country's unforgettable FIFA World Cup campaign.
Although Norway's dream ended in the quarterfinals with an extra-time defeat to England, the team achieved something no previous Norwegian men's side had managed—reaching the last eight of a World Cup for the first time in history.
For a nation that had waited 28 years to return to football's biggest stage, the tournament became a defining moment.
A Hero's Return to Oslo
The celebrations began before the team's plane even landed.
Videos shared by Norway's official team account showed players and staff gathering at the aircraft windows as Norwegian military fighter jets escorted them through the final stage of their journey back to Oslo.
The escort set the tone for what awaited them on the ground.
Thousands of fans packed the airport and city center, creating an unforgettable atmosphere as the squad returned home to celebrate a summer that transformed Norwegian football.
Haaland Steals the Show Again
Even before joining the celebrations, Erling Haaland found a way to entertain supporters.
As he walked down the aircraft steps, cameras captured the Manchester City striker carrying what appeared to be a stuffed raccoon holding an empty bottle—a bizarre moment that immediately spread across social media and had teammates and fans laughing.
It perfectly reflected the relaxed personality that has made Haaland one of football's biggest stars, both on and off the pitch.
The Viking Row Returns
One of the tournament's most memorable traditions also made its way back to Norway.
The now-famous "Viking Row," which became a symbol of Norway's World Cup journey, was recreated in Oslo with thousands of supporters taking part.
Crown Prince Haakon joined the celebration, leading the chant by beating a large drum in the same style captain Martin Ødegaard and Haaland had used after each World Cup victory.
The moment highlighted just how deeply the national team's success had united the country.
A Celebration for an Historic Summer
The festivities continued with an open-top bus parade through Oslo, allowing players and supporters to celebrate together.
Fans thanked the squad for an unforgettable tournament, while the players acknowledged the incredible backing they had received throughout their journey in North America.
Although Norway fell just one match short of the semifinals after Jude Bellingham scored the decisive extra-time winner for England in Miami, the disappointment did little to overshadow everything the team had accomplished.
Haaland's Global Profile Reaches Another Level
No player benefited more from Norway's remarkable run than Erling Haaland.
The striker finished the tournament with seven goals, establishing himself as one of the standout performers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His clinical finishing, physical dominance, and ability to deliver in decisive moments earned widespread praise from fans and pundits around the world.
Beyond the goals, Haaland became one of the tournament's biggest attractions, helping introduce Norwegian football to a global audience and inspiring a new generation of supporters.
A New Era for Norwegian Football
While Norway's World Cup campaign ended earlier than they had hoped, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for the national team.
Reaching the quarterfinals, defeating five-time world champions Brazil, and capturing the imagination of football fans worldwide represent milestones that few would have predicted before the tournament began.
With stars such as Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, Antonio Nusa, and Oscar Bobb forming the core of an exciting young squad, Norway now looks well positioned to build on its historic breakthrough.
For supporters celebrating in Oslo, the message was clear: this was not simply the end of a memorable World Cup—it felt like the start of something much bigger.