More than 100,000 football fans filled the streets of Oslo on Monday to welcome Norway’s national team home, celebrating their historic FIFA World Cup campaign despite a heartbreaking quarter-final exit.
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Norway’s remarkable tournament came to an end on Saturday after a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England, denying the team a place in the semi-finals. However, the loss did little to dampen the celebrations as supporters gathered in huge numbers across the Norwegian capital to honour the squad’s achievements.
The team arrived in Oslo to a ceremonial water cannon salute before beginning a homecoming parade through the city. Large crowds assembled outside the Royal Palace, where the players met King Harald before greeting fans alongside members of the Royal Guard.
Norway captain Martin Odegaard thanked supporters for their unwavering encouragement throughout the tournament.
“I don’t think anyone had imagined this. The support we have received in the USA and here at home in Norway has been beyond all expectations,” Odegaard said.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was absent from the final stage of the celebrations after leaving early to catch a flight, while midfielder Sander Berge also departed due to travel commitments following delays to the team’s return from the United States.
The celebrations continued aboard an open-top bus that made its way through central Oslo. Massive crowds repeatedly slowed the parade, forcing police escorts to manage packed streets as fans cheered the players late into the evening.
The event also featured a light-hearted moment when the bus briefly stopped because of low-hanging overhead cables, requiring players on the upper deck to sit down before the journey could continue.
Coach Stale Solbakken praised the overwhelming public support and said the team would cherish the reception after exceeding expectations during the tournament.
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Although Norway fell short of reaching the last four, the squad’s impressive World Cup run has united the country and sparked renewed optimism for the future of Norwegian football.