OSLO: Although Norway’s dream of reaching the FIFA World Cup semi-finals ended with a heartbreaking defeat to England, the team’s remarkable tournament run was celebrated in spectacular fashion as more than 100,000 supporters gathered in Oslo to welcome the players home.
The Norwegian side was eliminated after a 2-1 extra-time loss to England in the quarter-finals on Saturday. Despite the disappointment, fans across the country chose to honour the team’s achievements, creating one of the largest football celebrations in Norway’s recent history.
Thousands Gather to Welcome the Team Home
Under bright summer skies, huge crowds assembled around the Royal Palace and along Oslo’s main boulevard, Karl Johans gate, hours before the players arrived.
The squad landed in the Norwegian capital to a traditional water cannon salute, a ceremonial welcome often reserved for special national occasions. They then began a homecoming parade before attending an audience with King Harald.
Supporters waving Norwegian flags packed the palace square and surrounding streets, creating a festive atmosphere that reflected the pride many Norwegians felt in the team’s World Cup performance.
Fans Celebrate Historic Tournament Run
Many supporters described the team’s campaign as one of the country’s greatest football achievements in decades.
Speaking to Reuters, fan Catherine Breiland said she had experienced the excitement both in Norway and Spain during the tournament.
She said the unity and enthusiasm shown by Norwegians throughout the World Cup had been “unbelievable” and that she felt proud of the national team.
After meeting the royal family, the players greeted fans from the palace steps while members of the Royal Guard stood in formation behind them, adding a ceremonial touch to the celebrations.
Haaland Misses Final Ceremony
Star striker Erling Haaland was absent from the final stage of the festivities after leaving early to catch a flight.
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken explained that both Haaland and midfielder Sander Berge had to depart because the team’s return flight from the United States had been delayed by four hours.
As a result, Haaland missed the team’s final “Viking row” celebration on the palace steps, where Crown Prince Haakon joined the festivities by playing the drums before thousands of cheering supporters.
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Open-Top Bus Parade Draws Massive Crowds
The celebrations continued with an open-top bus parade through central Oslo.
Large crowds lining the streets slowed the procession, and at one point the bus had to reverse as police worked to clear a path through the packed city centre.
Despite the delays, the players continued waving to supporters and celebrating throughout the journey, with festivities continuing well into the evening.
Another supporter, Nicolai Sivesind, said Norway’s World Cup campaign had exceeded all expectations and deserved recognition from the entire nation.
The men’s national football team is greeted by the audience at Slottsplassen after returning to Norway from the USA, in Oslo, Norway, July 13, 2026. — Reuters
Unusual Incident During the Parade
The celebrations briefly paused when the open-top bus encountered low-hanging overhead cables.
Players standing on the upper deck were asked to sit down temporarily so the vehicle could safely pass beneath the obstruction before continuing the parade.
The incident prompted comparisons with Norway’s quarter-final defeat to England, after coach Ståle Solbakken had suggested that the ball may have struck a camera cable shortly before England’s equalising goal.
However, FIFA has repeatedly stated that there was no contact between the ball and any overhead wire during the match.
Odegaard Thanks Supporters
The celebrations concluded at City Hall Square, where thousands of fans had patiently waited for the team’s arrival.
Norway captain Martin Ødegaard thanked supporters for their unwavering backing throughout the tournament.
Speaking to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Ødegaard said the level of support the team received both in the United States and back home had exceeded all expectations.
Although Norway’s World Cup journey ended in the quarter-finals, the team’s performances captured the imagination of supporters across the country. The overwhelming turnout in Oslo reflected the pride many Norwegians felt in a campaign that rekindled excitement around the national football team and united fans in celebration despite the disappointment of elimination.
