FIFA World Cup sparks nationwide celebration in Norway
Norway in euphoria after knocking Brazil out of the FIFA World Cup. Even before the country's opening match at this year's tournament, Norwegians were already celebrating their participation. Now, Norway is experiencing the biggest nationwide celebration in its history.
July 6, 2026 | SOCIETY
Norway knocks Brazil out of the FIFA World Cup
On Sunday, 5 July, Norway defeated Brazil 2–1 in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup. It has been 28 years since Norway last qualified for a World Cup. On 23 June 1998, Norway famously defeated Brazil in the group stage before being eliminated by Italy in the Round of 16 (there was no Round of 32 in the 1998 tournament), while Brazil went on to reach the final, where they lost to France.
That small Norway, with a population of just 5.6 million, should produce footballers capable of eliminating the mighty football nation of Brazil from the 2026 FIFA World Cup is an achievement that will go down in history as a defining moment for three generations of Norwegians.
Brazil entered the match as the favourite. On Polymarket, the odds stood at 70/30 in Brazil's favour. It took until the 79th minute for Erling Braut Haaland to score the opening goal of the match. A few minutes later, he made it 2–0 before Brazil scored their only goal from a penalty in stoppage time.
Several weeks of euphoric national celebration
Even before the opening match on 17 June, the Norwegian people had already celebrated the country's return to the FIFA World Cup, after all, it had been 28 years since the last appearance. Norway won the match against Iraq 4–1, and since then the country has erupted in a euphoric nationwide celebration that, regardless, is unlikely to come to an abrupt end even if Norway were to lose to England in the quarter-final on Saturday, 11 July.
The excitement, joy and sense of unity that the national team has given the Norwegian people will define Norway into the future. It will probably lead to an even stronger wave of nationalism than Norway experienced in the years following the Lillehammer Winter Olympics, simply because we live in a polarised and uncertain time in which major events unite the people through hope, faith and courage for the future.
The Royal Family joins the celebrations
Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus represented the Royal Family in the stands in New York during the match, while the Crown Prince and Crown Princess watched from the Royal Palace. Crown Princess Mette-Marit was granted leave from Oslo National Hospital (Rikshopitalet), where she is undergoing rehabilitation following a lung transplant in June; read more here. After the match, Crown Prince Haakon joined the celebrations outside the Royal Palace, rowing in unison with several thousand Norwegians.
Norwegians will definitely row their way into the future. Read more about the Viking rowing here.
Thousands of jubilant people rushed to Palace Square in Oslo to celebrate the victory over Brazil. Video: S&P
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