Parades often celebrate victors, but sometimes it’s about the journey.
Such was the case for Norway.
Even though Norway faced a 2-1 defeat against England in the World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday, they received a warm and enthusiastic welcome upon their return home, celebrating their monumental accomplishment.
As their plane approached its landing, Norwegian players and staff huddled by the windows, witnessing an escort of military jets guiding them back to Oslo for a reception fit for royalty.
Erling Haaland, known for his on-field prowess and off-field humor, emerged from the plane carrying a playful souvenir—a stuffed raccoon he had acquired in Dallas.
Over 100,000 fans flooded the streets of the nation’s capital, packing the palace before stretching far down the main street.
Then, the team stepped out to greet fans with the Royal Guard standing right by.
Members of Norway’s royal household joined tens of thousands of Norway supporters for the “Viking Row” chant, which became famous during the country’s takeover in the United States.
Crown Prince Haakon led the row as he banged a drum the same way Haaland and captain Martin Ødegaard did after Norway’s World Cup wins.
As supporters celebrated the country’s accomplishments, players traveled through Oslo on an open-top bus.
“I don’t think anyone had imagined this,” Ødegaard told Norwegian broadcaster NRK. “The support we have received in the USA and here at home in Norway has been beyond all expectations. It has been absolutely incredible to see.”
Long after dark, Norway players celebrated with beer and waved while the party continued.
In its first World Cup appearance since 1998, Norway reached the quarterfinals with key wins over Ivory Coast and Brazil.
Haaland was the architect of Norway’s dominance, scoring seven goals in his first career World Cup.