[Saba Sports News] After wrapping‑up their World Cup campaign, Norway’s national team returned home to a hero’s welcome. Once the plane entered Norwegian airspace, F‑35 jets from the Royal Norwegian Air Force took off to provide an escort. Upon landing at Oslo Airport, fire trucks sprayed water to form a rainbow‑shaped arch to greet the returning heroes.
As Erling Haaland stepped off the aircraft, he carried a Dolce & Gabbana bag over one shoulder and held a plush raccoon toy in his left hand. It was his souvenir from the World Cup. The raccoon sits on a wooden base with its paws wrapped around an empty whisky bottle.
Following their arrival, the squad headed to the Royal Palace of Oslo, where they were received by King Harald V and Queen Sonja Haraldsen. The king shook hands warmly with Haaland and other players. Afterwards, the team moved to the Palace Square to celebrate alongside roughly 90,000 fans. A fan‑favorite tradition popularized during their time at the United States‑Mexico‑Canada World Cup — rowing while beating a big drum — was duly featured. This time, Crown Prince Haakon Magnus struck the drum himself while players and supporters pretended to row together, creating a spectacular scene.
In my view, the F‑35 escort for Norway’s home‑coming squad stands as top‑tier ceremonial treatment in recognition of the nation’s historic sporting breakthrough. Its symbolic meaning outweighs any military practicality and embodies nationwide unity and cultural confidence.