Oslo, July 14:Norway World Cup homecoming turned into a massive celebration on Monday as more than 100,000 supporters gathered in Oslo to welcome the national football team after its historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.
Norway‘s national football team returned to an emotional homecoming on Monday, with more than 100,000 supporters turning out across Oslo to celebrate the squad’s remarkable FIFA World Cup 2026 journey. Although their campaign ended with a quarter-final defeat to England, fans welcomed the players as national heroes for delivering one of the country’s finest performances on football’s biggest stage.
The team’s arrival was marked by a ceremonial water cannon salute before players travelled through the Norwegian capital in an open-top bus parade. Crowds packed the streets, surrounding the Royal Palace and stretching along Karl Johans gate as supporters waved flags, sang songs and applauded the squad throughout the procession.
Before greeting the public, the players met King Harald during a special audience at the Royal Palace. They later stepped onto the palace balcony to acknowledge the cheering fans, while Crown Prince Haakon joined the celebrations by leading the team’s traditional “Viking row” chant.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland did not attend the public celebrations after leaving early to catch a scheduled flight. Head coach Stale Solbakken explained that both Haaland and midfielder Sander Berge had to depart because the team’s return from the United States was delayed by several hours.
CaptainMartin Odegaard expressed gratitude to supporters, saying the level of encouragement received both during the tournament and after returning home had exceeded every expectation. He credited the fans for creating unforgettable memories throughout Norway’s World Cup adventure.
The victory parade moved slowly through central Oslo as enormous crowds filled the route. Police were required to manage the packed streets to allow the team bus to continue, while players briefly sat down when the vehicle passed beneath low overhead cables before resuming the celebrations.
The cable incident drew attention because it echoed Solbakken’s post-match remarks after the England defeat, when he suggested a camera cable had influenced Jude Bellingham’s equalising goal. FIFA has previously dismissed that claim.
The celebrations concluded at City Hall Square, where thousands of supporters gathered to salute a Norwegian side whose inspiring World Cup run has been widely regarded as a landmark achievement for the nation’s football history.
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