The Norway national football team unveiled a Viking-themed team photo on June 5, 2026, ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The image was shared on their official platform and quickly went viral across social media [1].
The photoshoot, held in Oslo in late May or early June 2026, was captured by British photographer David Yarrow [1]. Yarrow said he aimed to show the players “outside of how they’re normally photographed,” portraying them as modern-day Vikings on a journey, echoing Norway’s seafaring heritage. He acknowledged the concept might invite criticism but wanted to evoke the sense of Vikings setting sail for America [2].
The players wore traditional Nordic Viking warrior attire, including shields and swords, giving the photo a dramatic and historical feel [1, 2]. Star striker Erling Haaland stood out prominently in the imagery [1, 2].
This event marks Norway’s return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, having qualified for their fourth-ever tournament [1, 2]. Norway is drawn in Group I alongside football powerhouses France and Senegal, as well as Iraq [1, 2].
Norway will open their World Cup campaign on June 16 in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where they face Iraq in their first group stage match [2].
