Norway turn World Cup heartbreak into celebration as huge crowds pack capital

13 Jul 2026, 20:50 · CNA · Join

The men's national football team is greeted by the audience at Slottsplassen after returning to Norway from the USA, in Oslo, Norway, July 13, 2026. Trond R. Teigen /NTB/via REUTERS

Members of the Norwegian men’s football gather outside the palace as they celebrate their performance in the World Cup after returning to Oslo, Norway, July 13, 2026. REUTERS/Tom Little

Members of the Norwegian men’s football team and their staff take part in an open-top bus parade through the streets to celebrate their performance in the World Cup after returning to Oslo, Norway, July 13, 2026. REUTERS/Tom Little TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

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OSLO, July 13 : More than 100,000 fans flooded the streets of the Norwegian capital Oslo on Monday to give their soccer team a heroes' welcome, turning the heartbreak of their World Cup exit into a massive national celebration.

A 2-1 extra-time defeat by England on Saturday brought Norway's historic run to an end in the quarter-finals, shattering the Nordics' dreams of a semi-final berth. However, it did not stop the country celebrating their heroes.

Massive crowds under the Norwegian summer sun filled the grounds of the Royal Palace early on Monday afternoon, with an unofficial turnout estimated at more than 100,000 people.

The Norway squad touched down to a traditional water cannon salute before commencing their homecoming parade in the capital.

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The line of supporters quickly packed the palace square before stretching far down the main street, Karl Johans gate, as the squad first attended an audience with King Harald.

The team then stepped out to greet the fans with the Royal Guard standing at attention behind them.

Striker Erling Haaland was noticeably absent from the final stage of the celebrations, having left early.

His departure meant he missed joining his teammates on the palace steps for one last "Viking row" with the tens of thousands of fans gathered below, which was led by Crown Prince Haakon on the drums.

"Erling and Sander (Berge) had to catch their plane as our trip from the U.S. was delayed four hours," coach Stale Solbakken said, as the squad prepared to continue the celebrations in an open bus parade around Oslo.

Norway turn World Cup heartbreak into celebration as huge crowds pack capital

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