More than 100,000 fans filled the streets of Oslo, Norway’s capital, on Monday to celebrate their soccer team. The team had been knocked out in the World Cup quarter-finals after a 2-1 extra-time loss to England, ending their historic run. Despite this, the nation’s spirits remained high, and the streets turned into a massive national celebration.
Under the Norwegian summer sun, massive crowds gathered at the Royal Palace grounds. Unofficial estimates place the turnout at over 100,000 people. Supporters arrived early to greet their national team at Slottsplassen in Oslo.
The squad arrived to a water cannon salute before beginning their parade in the capital. Supporters packed the palace square and stretched down Karl Johans gate. The team first met with King Harald, thanking fans for their unwavering support.
“I have felt very proud, it has been amazing, I have been both at home and in Spain, and the atmosphere between the Norwegian people has been there all the time, so it has been unbelievable,” said Norway fan Catherine Breiland.
With the Royal Guard standing at attention, the team greeted the fans. Striker Erling Haaland was absent for the final celebrations, having left early. His absence meant he missed the last “Viking row” on the palace steps, led by Crown Prince Haakon on drums.
“Erling and Sander (Berge) had to catch their plane as our trip from the U.S. was delayed four hours,” explained coach Stale Solbakken as the team prepared to continue the celebrations with an open-top bus parade.
Crowds slowed the bus to a halt through central Oslo, with police escorts struggling to clear a path. Nonetheless, the players celebrated with beer, continuing the party long after dark.
“The run the Norwegian team has had this year has been beyond anything I’ve ever expected. I feel everybody in Norway should honor the national team, which has done such an amazing job during this whole cup,” said Nicolai Sivesind, a fan who traveled to Oslo for the events.
An ironic moment occurred when the parade was stopped by low-hanging cables, forcing players to sit down for the bus to proceed. Earlier, Solbakken suggested the ball hit a camera cable above the pitch before England’s equalizer, though FIFA denied any interference.
The parade concluded at City Hall Square after the 1.3-km route, where tens of thousands of supporters had waited. “I don’t think anyone had imagined this,” remarked captain Martin Odegaard. “The support in the USA and here at home has been beyond all expectations. It has been absolutely incredible to see.”