Norwegian Fans Celebrate Soccer Team’s World Cup Journey

More than 100,000 fans filled the streets of Oslo on Monday to honor the Norwegian national soccer team. Despite their 2-1 defeat by England in the World Cup quarter-finals, Norway turned this setback into a joyous celebration.

The Royal Palace grounds were overflowing with supporters, with an unofficial turnout surpassing 100,000 people. The Norway squad was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute before their parade through the capital began.

Fans packed Karl Johans gate as the team visited King Harald. Norwegian fan Catherine Breiland expressed her pride and amazement at the support from fellow citizens both in Norway and abroad.

During the celebrations, striker Erling Haaland was absent, having left early. He missed the final “Viking row,” led by Crown Prince Haakon, due to a delayed flight schedule.

The parade progressed through Oslo, with crowds occasionally slowing the bus carrying the team. The players nevertheless enjoyed the festivities, celebrating with drinks and waving to fans long into the night.

Nicolai Sivesind, one of many who traveled to Oslo, praised the team’s outstanding performance throughout the World Cup. However, the festivities faced a brief hiccup when overhead cables required players to sit down on the bus to proceed.

Coach Stale Solbakken earlier speculated that a camera cable interfered with play during the quarter-final, though FIFA denied any influence on England’s goal.

The parade concluded at City Hall Square, where tens of thousands had gathered to celebrate the team. Captain Martin Odegaard expressed astonishment at the overwhelming support both in the U.S. and back in Norway.