Norway football team welcomed by king and 100,000 fans

Norway's national football team returned to a hero's welcome in Oslo on Monday, July 13, 2026, following their historic run to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. The squad, led by star striker Erling Haaland, was received by King Harald and members of the royal family at the Royal Palace before celebrating with tens of thousands of fans in the city center.

The team's journey ended with a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 11. Despite the loss, their performance marked Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998 and their deepest ever tournament run. The players arrived in Oslo to a traditional water cannon salute. Their scheduled palace reception, initially set for 6 p.m., was delayed until 8 p.m. due to a late flight from the United States.

At the palace, King Harald, Crown Prince Haakon, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and Prince Sverre Magnus hosted the team. Crown Prince Haakon, who attended the quarterfinal in Miami and visited the dressing room after the loss, had extended the king's invitation to the players before they left American soil. Following the reception, the royal family accompanied the players to the Palace Square, where they...