Erling Haaland Steals Spotlight With Unusual Mascot Upon Norway's World Cup Return

Norway's national football team returned to Oslo following their 2-1 extra-time loss to England in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. Despite the disappointment of elimination, the team received a festive welcome, including a traditional water cannon salute as their plane landed, escorted by two Norwegian Air Force F-35 jets.

Coach Ståle Solbakken and captain Martin Ødegaard led the team off the plane, but it was striker Erling Haaland who captured the crowd's attention. Haaland arrived carrying two large suitcases and an unusual item: a raccoon doll holding a bottle of alcohol. This quirky mascot quickly became a viral sensation on social media and dominated media coverage of the team's homecoming.

After the airport reception, the Norwegian squad traveled by bus to the city center and then to the Royal Palace for a planned audience with King Harald V. Norway's advancement to the quarterfinals was considered a significant achievement, especially for Haaland, who made his World Cup debut and finished the tournament with seven goals.