EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Erling Haaland scored both goals as Norway defeated Brazil 2-1 on Sunday to reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, sparking celebrations among fans in the United States and across Norway.
Haaland led Norwegian supporters in the team’s signature Viking Row celebration after the victory and said he was overwhelmed by images of fans celebrating in his home country.
“Look at the streets in Norway,” Haaland said. “I’ve never experienced anything like it before.”
The win sent Norway into the quarterfinals, where it will face England on Saturday for a place in the semifinals.
Officials in Oslo said up to 50,000 fans gathered at Rådhusplassen to watch the match on giant screens. Crown Prince Haakon also joined supporters outside the royal palace following the victory, while thousands more celebrated at Ullevaal Stadium, the home of Norway’s national team.
“The whole nation is rowing together,” Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said. “We are having a great party here and in Oslo and in all the other big and small cities all the way through Norway.”
The Viking Row celebration also spread beyond Norway, with supporters performing it in Times Square and at a New York Mets baseball game.
Norway captain Martin Ødegaard urged the team to stay focused despite its historic run.
“We’ve shown that we can beat anyone,” Ødegaard said. “We have to keep the feet on the ground, keep working hard and see what happens.”
The 2026 tournament marks Norway’s fourth World Cup appearance and its first since 1998 after missing the previous six editions. Haaland, playing in his first World Cup, has scored seven goals, tying Argentina’s Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappé for the tournament lead.
Haaland said he hopes Norway’s success inspires more young players to represent the national team.
“I want to cultivate a culture where we are proud to play for the national team,” he said. “To all the kids who watch now, I want you to play proudly when you grow up.”
