NORWAY'S VIKING-THEMED WORLD CUP PHOTO GOES VIRAL AHEAD OF TOURNAMENT

OSLO, Norway (AP) — Norway's return to the FIFA World Cup after nearly three decades has already produced one of the tournament's most talked-about images, with a Viking-themed team photograph featuring Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and the rest of the national squad drawing worldwide attention.

The image, titled "The Vikings Are Coming," was released as part of Norway's promotional campaign ahead of the 2026 World Cup and quickly spread across social media and international sports outlets. The photograph shows players dressed in Viking-inspired clothing, carrying shields and standing beside a traditional longship against a dramatic Norwegian landscape.

The campaign celebrates Norway's first appearance in the World Cup since 1998 and draws on the country's historical connection to the Viking era. Organizers said the image was designed to reflect national identity while highlighting a new generation of football talent that has revived hopes among Norwegian supporters.

The photograph was created by acclaimed British photographer David Yarrow, whose work often combines sports, culture and cinematic imagery. Within hours of its release, fans and commentators around the world were sharing the image online, with many describing it as one of the most memorable national team portraits in World Cup history.

Reaction has been largely positive, with supporters praising the creativity of the campaign. Some critics, however, questioned whether the portrayal relied too heavily on historical stereotypes. The debate only added to the image's visibility.

For Norwegian football officials, the attention underscores growing excitement surrounding a team led by striker Erling Haaland and captain Martin Ødegaard. Expectations are high as Norway prepares to compete on football's biggest stage for the first time in 28 years.

The national team's World Cup qualification ended decades of frustration for supporters and marked a significant milestone for a country that has produced several of Europe's most recognizable football stars in recent years.

As the tournament approaches, the Viking-themed image has become a symbol of Norway's return to the global spotlight — a blend of history, national pride and renewed sporting ambition.