Story perspectives

Norway’s Historic QF Loss to England Sparks Oslo Parade

7/15/2026

Summary

Haaland’s Quarterfinal Exit

Norway, with striker Erling Haaland, lost 2-1 in extra time to England in the World Cup quarterfinals.
The defeat marked Norway’s deepest World Cup run, surpassing its 1938 and 1998 Round of 16 exits.
Fans gathered in Oslo as the squad passed the Royal Palace, producing a turnout comparable to U.S. championship parades despite Norway’s sub-six-million population.
Reporters observed the players returning home carrying taxidermied raccoons.

Summary

Haakon Leads Drums

Coach Ståle Solbakken said he believed the ball struck a camera cable above the pitch before Jude Bellingham’s equaliser, which FIFA has denied.
The double-decker completed a 1.3-kilometer route to City Hall Square but was briefly stopped when low-hanging cables forced the open-top bus to reverse.
Crown Prince Haakon led the drums as the Royal Guard stood at attention while Captain Martin Ødegaard said support in United States and Norway exceeded expectations.

Summary

Haaland Raccoon

The Oslo reception ceremony began over 90 minutes late after police cleared crowded streets, delaying the open-top bus parade.
Erling Haaland posted a photo of himself stepping off a plane clutching a stuffed raccoon with a liquor bottle.
The “Ro! Ro! Ro!” chant spread worldwide, dominating fan videos and memes, while thousands wore Antonio Nusa and Martin Ødegaard jerseys, showing the squad’s appeal beyond Haaland.

History

Historical Context

France secured the 1998 FIFA World Cup on 12 July 1998, winning its first title at the Stade de France and prompting a Paris parade that drew about 2 million spectators. The event, enabled by FIFA’s 1992 decision to award France hosting rights and the new 32-team format, set a template that Norway’s 2024 celebrations with Crown Prince Haakon and Erling Haaland now echo.

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Haaland’s Quarterfinal Exit

Norway, with striker Erling Haaland, lost 2-1 in extra time to England in the World Cup quarterfinals.
The defeat marked Norway’s deepest World Cup run, surpassing its 1938 and 1998 Round of 16 exits.
Fans gathered in Oslo as the squad passed the Royal Palace, producing a turnout comparable to U.S. championship parades despite Norway’s sub-six-million population.
Reporters observed the players returning home carrying taxidermied raccoons.

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