Norway’s Viking Send-Off: Yarrow’s Photo Project Prioritises Team Unity Over Star Power
Ahead of their 2026 World Cup debut, the Norwegian national team has released a viral image titled 'The Vikings are coming', featuring all 26 players in authentic attire at a fjord.
The Norwegian Football Association has commissioned renowned British photographer David Yarrow to produce a send-off image for the national squad ahead of their 2026 World Cup debut. Titled 'The Vikings are coming', the photograph depicts all 26 players in authentic Viking attire at a fjord, deliberately eschewing the traditional airport steps photo opportunity to ensure equal framing for every squad member.
The initiative aims to raise funds for Norwegian charities and counter perceptions that the team relies solely on its star players. Yarrow, who was tasked with the project four months ago, sought to highlight the breadth of talent within the squad, moving beyond the focus on high-profile figures such as Erling Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard.
The concept originated during an international break in 2023, when Yarrow photographed Haaland alone, waist-deep in an Oslo fjord. Haaland’s sister described that portrait as the best looking picture of her brother ever, prompting the Norwegian Football Association to invite Yarrow back. Authentic costumes were sourced from theatre companies in Oslo to ensure historical accuracy.
Logistical coordination was required to align the schedules of key players. Team captain Martin Odegaard joined the shoot after completing a solo session in north London, following Arsenal’s Champions League final appearance in Budapest. Yarrow captured behind-the-scenes footage to verify the authenticity of the image and counter suggestions that it was generated by artificial intelligence.
The photograph will be displayed next to a table tennis table at the squad’s base in Greensboro, North Carolina. Yarrow attended a recent warm-up friendly where Norway defeated Sweden 3-1, expressing confidence in the team’s depth while noting his nervousness regarding Scotland’s World Cup campaign.
