Tens of thousands of supporters gathered in Oslo on Monday to give Norway's national football team a hero's welcome after its historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign. An estimated 90,000 fans assembled outside the Royal Palace to celebrate the players, who returned home following a memorable run to the quarter-finals. Although Norway's journey ended with a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in Miami, the tournament marked the nation's best-ever performance at a FIFA World Cup, prompting jubilant scenes across the Norwegian capital.

The players were greeted with loud cheers as they appeared on stage in front of the Royal Palace, where supporters celebrated alongside the squad. One of the highlights of the reception was the now-iconic "Viking Row" celebration, which became a defining symbol of Norway's impressive World Cup campaign. Fans enthusiastically joined the players in recreating the celebration, reflecting the strong bond that had developed between the team and its supporters throughout the tournament.

According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, members of Norway's royal family also participated in the celebrations. The players reportedly greeted King Harald V and other members of the royal family before taking part in the Viking Row alongside them and the thousands of supporters gathered in the palace square. The event underscored the significance of the team's achievement, with football uniting fans from across the country in a rare nationwide celebration.

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Following the official reception, the squad embarked on a nearly two-hour open-top bus parade along Karl Johans gate, one of Oslo's main thoroughfares. Crowds lined the streets to applaud the players as the procession made its way through the city. The celebrations continued at Rådhusplassen, where the team once again performed the Viking Row with supporters before the festivities carried on into the evening across central Oslo.

Norway's quarter-final appearance represents a landmark achievement in the country's football history. Despite falling short of a place in the semi-finals after their extra-time loss to England, the team's performances throughout the tournament earned widespread praise for their resilience, attacking football and determination. Their campaign has generated renewed optimism about the future of Norwegian football and inspired supporters across the nation.

The extraordinary turnout in Oslo highlighted the impact the team's World Cup run had on the country. The large-scale public reception, involvement of the royal family and city-wide celebrations reflected the pride Norwegians felt in their national team, whose historic performance has set a new benchmark for football in the country and created memories that supporters are likely to cherish for years to come.

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