Norway’s national soccer team took fanfare to Viking-level intensity heading into the 2026 World Cup. Instead of a typical team photo in jerseys, the entire squad donned authentic Viking warrior costumes, armed with swords and shields, lining the riverbank as drakkar longships drifted behind them. The striking image quickly captured global attention.
Viking-themed photo shoot inspired by Erling Haaland
The whole idea came from Erling Haaland himself, who recommended bringing in famed photographer David Yarrow for the shoot. A custom dock was constructed specifically for the session, and the team borrowed costumes directly from the set of the hit TV series ”Vikings.”
Nearly the entire squad participated, aside from Martin Ødegaard, who was preparing separately to play for Arsenal in the Champions League final that day. The Norwegians explained the concept: ”We immediately understood that the Viking story would follow us no matter what. So we chose to own it and fill it with what truly defines us.”
This Viking reference might have felt like a cliché-if not for an important historical twist. Norwegian Vikings set sail to North America as early as the 1020s, establishing settlements around present-day Newfoundland, Canada. With the 2026 World Cup hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the team’s Viking homage closes a 1,000-year loop.
Haaland’s dominance and Norway’s first World Cup in 28 years
This will be Norway’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years-their last was in 1998. The team breezed through qualifiers, winning all eight matches for a perfect 24 points. Their shock 4-1 thrashing of Italy in Milan, with Haaland scoring 16 goals in just 8 games, sealed the qualification.
A solo portrait of Haaland, flowing long hair and brandishing sword and shield, perfectly captures his Viking persona. It suits him.
While Norway’s Vikings are centuries removed from today’s football pitch, this theatrical cosplay taps into a deep cultural lineage while building hype for the tournament on North American soil-an unusual blend of history and sport. Expect Norway to embrace that Viking spirit both on and off the field as the 2026 World Cup approaches.