As first reported by Tatler, Norway’s historic World Cup run has captivated the nation, but it was a moment off the pitch that truly went viral after their Round of 16 victory over Brazil. Following a thrilling performance at the New York New Jersey Stadium, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, 22, burst into the team’s locker room to congratulate the players, culminating in a memorable hug with a shirtless Erling Haaland.
The video of the royal encounter quickly spread across social media, showing the second-in-line to the Norwegian throne enthusiastically embracing the 25-year-old football superstar. The spontaneous celebration underscored the national euphoria surrounding Norway’s best-ever performance in the competition.
Royal support for a historic run
Princess Ingrid Alexandra, accompanied by her 20-year-old brother, Prince Sverre Magnus, travelled to New York specifically to support the national team. Their presence wasn’t a one-off; the royal siblings had also cheered on Norway during their Group 1 match against Senegal, demonstrating consistent support for the squad led by Haaland.
Norway’s triumph over Brazil has set up a highly anticipated quarter-final clash against England. That match is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, in Miami, promising another high-stakes encounter for the Nordic nation.
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A princess passionate about sport
Tatler notes that Princess Ingrid Alexandra is no stranger to sporting success herself. The daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit has previously won gold in the Norwegian junior surfing championships and is also a keen skier and kickboxer. The magazine also highlighted her recent completion of 12 months of military service with the Engineer Battalion in Brigade North, which she voluntarily extended by a further three months.
Her genuine excitement in the locker room resonated with fans, with one social media user commenting on the viral video: “What a beautiful representative for her country.” Tatler also highlighted the princess’s close ties to European royalty, with King Felipe VI of Spain, King Frederik X of Denmark, and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden among her godparents.
As Norway prepares for its quarter-final showdown, the image of the country’s future queen celebrating alongside its biggest football star has become one of the defining moments of the 2026 World Cup.
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