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David Yarrow photographs Norwegian soccer team as Vikings for World Cup campaign

artist · 2026-06-08

David Yarrow, a photographer from Scotland, has produced a large-format image entitled 'The Vikings are Coming (2026),' showcasing the Norwegian men's national soccer team in Viking warrior attire next to a fjord. This striking photograph features the entire team, including Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Arsenal's Martin Odegaard, surrounded by longships and weapons under a stormy Nordic sky. The Norwegian Football Association provided the Viking longships. The concept emerged from a solo shoot in 2023, where Yarrow captured Haaland in Viking garb while standing in an Oslo fjord. After developing a connection with Yarrow, Haaland advocated for a team photoshoot as part of Norway's preparations for the World Cup. Odegaard was photographed separately due to his commitments with Arsenal and later composited into the final image. This work is integral to Norway's build-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Key facts

  • David Yarrow photographed the Norwegian men's national soccer team as Viking warriors.
  • The photograph is titled 'The Vikings are Coming (2026)'.
  • It features the full squad including Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard.
  • The shoot took place beside a fjord with longships, weapons, and Nordic light.
  • The Viking longships were sourced by the Norwegian Football Association.
  • A 2023 solo shoot with Haaland in Viking dress preceded the squad image.
  • Haaland pushed for the full squad follow-up for World Cup preparations.
  • Odegaard was photographed separately and composited into the image.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Norwegian Football Association
  • Manchester City
  • Arsenal

Locations

  • Norway
  • Oslo

Sources