More than 100,000 people [1] gathered in Oslo on Monday, July 13, 2024, to welcome the national football team home from the World Cup.
The event transformed a sporting disappointment into a national celebration, signaling strong public support for the players despite their exit from the tournament.
The crowds filled the streets and the grounds of the Royal Palace in Oslo [2]. The atmosphere was marked by a "Viking row" performed on drums, which was led by Crown Prince Haakon [1, 2].
Norway's journey in the FIFA World Cup ended in the quarter-finals, where the team lost 2-1 to England [3]. Despite the defeat, the scale of the homecoming reflected a desire to honor the squad's achievement in reaching the final eight.
Reports on the crowd size varied slightly, with some sources citing thousands [4] while others noted the number exceeded 100,000 [1]. A video description from the Washington Post estimated the gathering at approximately 100,000 people [2].
The celebration served as a collective moment of national pride, focusing on the team's effort rather than the result of the match against England [1].
“More than 100,000 people gathered in Oslo”
The massive turnout in Oslo demonstrates that the Norwegian public views the team's quarter-final run as a success regardless of the final score. By involving the monarchy in a culturally resonant 'Viking row,' the event shifted the narrative from a sporting loss to a symbol of national unity and resilience.
