Haaland (center) and teammates were welcomed at Oslo city hall on the evening of 17/11. Photo: EPA

On the evening of 17/11, Norway's national team celebrated their 2026 World Cup qualification in Oslo. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Minister of Culture Lubna Jeffrey, and Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe hosted the event. The coaching staff and players later appeared on the city hall balcony, celebrating with approximately 50,000 enthusiastic fans.

"It's unbelievable. The support and affection we received here today are wonderful. Thank you very much", said Norway's captain, Martin Odegaard.

Erling Haaland also expressed pride in representing his country. However, when asked about Norway's chances of winning the 2026 World Cup, the Man City star cautiously replied, "Oh, one step at a time. Right now, I just feel great about beating Italy".

Following the city hall celebration, the Norway national team and their fans sang "All for Norway", the team's official song since the 1994 World Cup. Haaland and his teammates then proceeded to a popular Oslo bar, which also provided a dedicated space for fans.

Haaland (second from right) and teammates waved to fans from the Oslo City Hall balcony on the evening of 17/11. Photo: VG

The previous day, on 16/11, Norway defeated host Italy 4-1 to clinch their spot in the 2026 World Cup. They finished atop Group I with eight consecutive wins, accumulating 24 points and scoring 37 goals, six points clear of Italy. In the European qualifiers, only the group leader earns a direct World Cup berth, while the second-placed team must compete in playoffs.

This marks Norway's fourth World Cup appearance, having previously participated in 1938, 1994, and 1998.

Haaland currently leads the European qualifiers' top scorer race with 16 goals, double the three players tied for second: Harry Kane (England), Memphis Depay (Netherlands), and Marko Arnautovic (Austria). Globally, the Norwegian star also leads, 4 goals ahead of Almoez Ali (Qatar).

Notably, Haaland and Alexander Sorloth are the sons of Alf-Inge Haaland and Goran Sorloth, two Norway national team players who featured in the 1994 World Cup.

By Thanh Quy (via MD)