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Norway Football Unveils Viking Photo Ahead of World Cup Return

6/6/2026

Summary

Haaland Launches Viking Photo

Norway's national football team released a Viking-themed photo taken on an Oslofjord beach at the end of May 2026.
Striker Erling Haaland arranged the shoot with photographer David Yarrow, adding captain Martin Ødegaard digitally after the Champions League final.
All 26 players and staff wear researched leather armor, furs, swords and shields, marking Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998 and prompting the image to go viral.

Summary

Kristjánsson Defends Vikings

MP Mímir Kristjánsson (Red Party) called the backlash absurd and urged Norway to show Viking culture at World Cup, while federation director Ragnhild Ask Connell said the campaign stresses community, courage and volunteerism, not violence.
Researcher Jane Haug Skjoldli warned Viking imagery echoes neo-Nazi symbols.
Columnist Janne Stigen Drangsholt said the campaign creates toxic “guttastemning” against peace image.
Fans rowed and shouted “Ro! Ro!” after Norway’s 3-1 win over Sweden.

Summary

Norway Opens

Norway will open its World Cup campaign against Iraq on June 16 at Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Photographer David Yarrow staged a Viking-themed shoot on a private Oslo beach, compositing longships and a valley backdrop the same day.
Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness said the Viking narrative was chosen to reflect togetherness, team spirit and unity.
The release coincides with Norway’s first World Cup appearance since 1998, its fourth qualification overall.

Summary

Haaland Selected

Norway announced a 26-player World Cup squad with three goalkeepers, twelve defenders, eleven midfielders and four forwards.
The goalkeeping trio is Orjan Haskjold Nyland, Egil Selvik and Sander Tangvik.
The forward line features Erling Haaland of Manchester City, Jørgen Strand Larsen and Alexander Sørloth, with Haaland the star striker.
The squad gives Norway its fourth World Cup entry, the best finish being the round of 16 in 1998.

History

Historical Context

After Egil Olsen took over in 1990, Norway’s modern golden era peaked with a 1998 World Cup round-of-16 run, Flo netting three goals and the team finishing ninth. The 2026 qualification, secured by Haaland’s 16 goals, revives that legacy and fuels debate among officials like Ragnhild Ask Connell over Viking-armor symbolism.

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Haaland Launches Viking Photo

Norway's national football team released a Viking-themed photo taken on an Oslofjord beach at the end of May 2026.
Striker Erling Haaland arranged the shoot with photographer David Yarrow, adding captain Martin Ødegaard digitally after the Champions League final.
All 26 players and staff wear researched leather armor, furs, swords and shields, marking Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998 and prompting the image to go viral.

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