The Norwegian national football team returned to Oslo on June 13 to a hero’s welcome, with over 100,000 fans flooding the streets to celebrate the nation’s first-ever quarterfinal appearance at the 2026 North American World Cup. Despite a 1-2 loss to England in the quarterfinals, the team’s historic run—their first World Cup appearance in 28 years—sparked a massive public demonstration of support across the country of 5.6 million people, according to reports from Reuters.
A Historic Homecoming for Norway
The scale of the reception in Oslo highlighted the significance of Norway’s performance on the global stage. According to Reuters, more than 100,000 supporters gathered in the capital to catch a glimpse of the squad as they traveled through the city on an open-top bus. This turnout represents a significant portion of the country’s total population, underscoring the deep connection between the team and the Norwegian public.
Did you know?
The Norwegian squad visited the Royal Palace to meet King Harald V. Following the meeting, Crown Prince Haakon participated in a traditional “Viking rowing” ceremony alongside thousands of fans, though Erling Haaland was unable to join the rowing due to scheduling constraints.
The Viral Arrival of Erling Haaland
While the team’s performance drew headlines, Erling Haaland’s arrival at Oslo Airport became an unexpected social media sensation. Photographs showed Haaland disembarking from the team plane while carrying a stuffed raccoon souvenir.
According to The Telegraph, the item was a taxidermy raccoon purchased at a shop in Dallas, Texas, with a retail value of approximately 1.12 million won. Haaland later posted a photo of the souvenir on his Instagram account with the caption: “He followed me all the way home.”
Performance Comparison: The Race for the Golden Boot
Haaland’s individual impact on the 2026 tournament remained significant despite Norway’s exit. He concluded the competition with seven goals across five matches. This performance places him just behind the current tournament scoring leaders, Lionel Messi of Argentina and Kylian Mbappé of France, both of whom recorded 8 total scores as their teams advanced to the semifinals.
| Player | Goals Scored |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 8 |
| Kylian Mbappé | 8 |
| Erling Haaland | 7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far did Norway advance in the 2026 World Cup?
Norway reached the quarterfinals, marking the first time the nation has ever achieved this stage in a World Cup tournament.
What was the “Viking rowing” ceremony?
It was a celebratory ritual performed by the Norwegian team and fans, featuring rhythmic movements mimicking rowing, led by Crown Prince Haakon outside the Royal Palace.
Why was Erling Haaland carrying a stuffed raccoon?
According to The Telegraph, the item was a souvenir purchased by the player at a retail store in Dallas, Texas, during the team’s travels in the United States.
Stay updated on international football developments by subscribing to our sports newsletter or exploring our archives on previous World Cup tournaments. Have thoughts on Norway’s historic run? Share your comments below.
Keep reading