Norway gave its national team an absolutely massive homecoming, as 100,000 fans packed the capital to deliver a heroes' welcome celebrating the squad's historic 2026 World Cup campaign. Norway reached the quarterfinals for the first time after knocking out Ivory Coast and Brazil, before a narrow 2-1 extra-time loss to England.
The royal family embraced the occasion. Following a private audience with King Harald, the squad gathered on the Royal Palace steps where Crown Prince Haakon joined in, grabbing a drum to lead the crowd in the signature "Viking Row" chant.
Captain Martin Ødegaard warmly thanked the sea of supporters lining Karl Johans gate. Star striker Erling Haaland landed in Oslo with the team but missed the palace ceremony due to a four-hour flight delay. The entire celebration was remarkably peaceful, defined by pure civic pride, unity, and a total absence of public disruption.