Norway’s Viking Themed World Cup Photo Captures Global Attention
Norway has created a buzz ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a Viking themed team photograph featuring stars Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Shot by photographer David Yarrow on a beach near Oslo, the image celebrates Norway’s Norse heritage and its first World Cup appearance since 1998.
For the Norwegian national football team, the build up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has already produced a memorable moment off the pitch. Norway unveiled a unique Viking themed squad photograph that quickly went viral across social media. The image features the entire 26 man squad, including star players Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, dressed in traditional Viking attire with swords, shields, and longships against a dramatic coastal backdrop.
The photograph was created by renowned British photographer David Yarrow on a private beach near Oslo. Despite appearing almost computer generated, the production was completely real and involved elaborate costumes, makeup, and staging. Elements inspired by Viking Valley in Gudvangen were also used to highlight Norway’s rich Norse heritage. Yarrow explained that the concept drew inspiration from the Vikings’ historic voyages across the Atlantic, symbolising Norway’s journey to the United States for the World Cup.
The focus of the image was on team unity rather than individual stars, although Haaland naturally attracted plenty of attention. According to Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness, the Viking theme reflects values such as resilience, togetherness, and unity. Norway will make its first World Cup appearance since 1998, beginning its campaign on June 16 in Foxborough before group stage matches against France and Senegal.
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