The Norwegian national football team has caused a sensation online after Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and his teammates appeared dressed as Vikings in a stunning pre-World Cup photoshoot.

The players look ready for battle in the images shared by the Norwegian team, featuring vice-captain and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth donning traditional Norse warrior outfits, complete with swords and shields.

The dramatic shoot, titled “The Vikings Are Coming”, was captured by renowned British photographer David Yarrow in front of a fleet of Viking ships on the scenic Norwegian fjords. Odegaard is seen gripping a battle horn — historically used to signal attacks during the Viking Age — while Haaland holds what appears to be a Ulfberht sword, symbolising strength and readiness.

Speaking to the BBC, Yarrow explained that it was essential for every player featured in the frame to have equal prominence, reflecting team unity and shared ambition.

Yarrow, famous for his World Cup imagery — including the iconic shot of Diego Maradona lifting the trophy in Mexico City in 1986 — has once again drawn global attention with this powerful visual concept.

The newly unveiled photo has already received over 15,000 reposts on X, as Norway gear up for their first World Cup match against Iraq on June 16.

However, the Viking-themed portrayal has sparked mixed reactions in Norway. Some critics described the images as “chauvinistic and exclusionary”, while others expressed concerns that the depiction could glorify aspects of colonisation, raiding, and pillaging associated with the Viking era.

Despite the divided opinions, Yarrow’s work has been widely praised for its artistry and symbolism, portraying Norway’s footballers as modern-day warriors ready to take on the world stage.

Returning to the tournament after a 28-year gap, head coach Stale Solbakken hopes that his team, led by Premier League stars Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, can make a strong impression. The Norwegian side enters the competition in impressive form, having won all their qualifying matches leading up to the World Cup.