Norway’s World Cup team has been received by thousands of fans and royalty after returning home from the 2026 World Cup. Despite a 2-1 defeat to England in the quarter-finals the Norwegian team has achieved its best ever result in the tournament after a 28-year absence. The team marked the achievement with one last rendition of the Viking row celebration, this time led by Prince Haakon on the drum.
The players enjoy the acclaim of the crowds in Oslo. Source: Reuters
The warriors return
As previously reported by The Viking Herald, the Norway team has maintained a Viking flavor throughout the tournament. The official photoshoot saw the team dressed up in Viking garb at a scenic location and star striker Erling Haaland has been spotted on several occasions in a (historically inaccurate) Viking helmet.
Another undoubted highlight for fans, however, has been the “row” celebration, where one person beats the drum and the others pull on imaginary oars and shout out “row!” in a rhythmic tribute to the country’s Viking roots.
According to Reuters, more than 100,000 people were present to welcome their heroes back to Norway after their World Cup adventure came to an end. Naturally, the team was happy to pull out the rowing celebration as they were received by the vast crowds in Norway’s capital.
After a royal reception with King Harald, the team made its way to the grounds of the Royal Palace. There, Crown Prince Haakon beat the drum as the players – minus Haaland, who had left early – shouted out a final salute to their loyal supporters.
The Viking Herald congratulates the Norwegian – and Swedish – teams on their efforts in this year’s tournament.
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