Norway Unveils 'Insane' Viking-Themed 2026 World Cup Team Photo

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Norway Unveils 'Insane' Viking-Themed 2026 World Cup Team Photo

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Jun 5, 2026 7:30 AM ET

Norway is going to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, and Erling Haaland is leading the charge. The Manchester City striker will finally get his shot at football's biggest stage, and the expectations on his shoulders are enormous.

He did everything he could to earn this moment, scoring 16 goals in just eight qualifying matches to finish as the top scorer in all of European qualifying. Nobody was close. Almoez Ali was next with 12, while Mohamed Amoura, Son Heung-min and Mehdi Taremi each finished on 10.

With a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup secured, Norway didn't waste any time making a statement.

Norway's Viking Team Photo Takes Over the Internet

The Norwegian national team released their official World Cup squad photo and it stopped the internet cold. The setup was full Viking mode — helmets, shields, swords, traditional costumes and a backdrop that looked straight out of a historical television series.

Norway is coming pic.twitter.com/SjESCYPLMd
— Fotballandslaget (@nff_landslag) June 4, 2026

At first look, the long-haired warriors in the frame seem like actors pulled from another era entirely. They aren't. Those are Norway's players, fully committed to one of the most creative team photos the World Cup has ever seen.

The reaction online was immediate. Fans couldn't get enough of it.

"Jævlig insane!!!!!!" one fan wrote.

"Norway is coming for 2026! Valhalla awaits the worthy, skal!!" another commented.

"Didn't realize Assassin's Creed Valhalla released a new DLC," one fan wrote.

"This is the greatest World Cup squad photo ever. Congrats Norway," another noted.

"I really hope they take this Viking energy to the field," one fan added.

Photographer David Yarrow later revealed that a beach near Oslo was privately secured and transformed into an authentic Viking camp for the shoot. He also noted that the players bought into the idea right away and gave everything to it.

Norway hasn't been to a World Cup in nearly three decades. With Haaland finally getting his shot on that stage and a team clearly locked in and having fun together, the 2026 tournament just got a little more interesting.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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