Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Friday, 05 June 2026, 13:36 / Updated Friday, 05 June 2026 13:41
Norway's national team has released a Viking-inspired group photo via its official channels to mark its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Norwegians have returned to their origins! Before participating in the 2026 World Cup, the fourth in a final tournament in the history of the national team, Erling Haaland and his teammates dressed up as Vikings and took a photo that immediately went viral on social networks.
Captain Martin Odegaard was digitally added
Captured by renowned photographer David Yarrow in Oslo, the image features Norsemen in authentic attire gathered by a fjord with longboats in the background, reflecting the country's historical narrative and the supporters' Viking tradition.
The photo session took place last weekendand captain Martin Odegaard was added digitally, being unavailable due to involvement with Arsenal in the Champions League final in Budapest against PSG. A separate picture was also taken, which includes the coaches and the technical staff.
Norway's best performances at the World Cup were in 1938 and 1998: round of 16
The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) adopted the mentioned theme “to emphasize team unity and cultural heritageThe Norwegians are returning to a final world championship tournament after a 28-year wait.
Viking Erling Haaland / Photo: instagram
They also participated in the World Cup in 1938, 1994 and 1998. Their best performances came in 1938 and 1998, when they reached the last 16 of the competition.
Norway's full squad for the World Cup
Goalkeepers: Orjan Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (Hamburger SV)
defense: Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford), Leo Skiri Ostigard (Genoa), David Moller Wolfe (Wolverhampton), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Fredrik Bjorkan (Bodo/Glimt), Henrik Falchener (Viking), Sondre Langas (Derby County)
midfielders: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica)
Strikers: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig)
- Norway is part of Group I, along with France, Senegal and Iraq
