Massive crowds gather in Oslo for Norway-Brasil World Cup showdown

Long queues formed in central Oslo on Sunday evening as fans gathered for Norway’s World Cup round-of-16 clash with Brasil, with kickoff set for 22:00 in New Jersey.

By 19:20, crowds stretched around the block near Rådhusplassen, where four screens and three entrances had been set up for the public viewing. The event, open to all and alcohol-free, began admitting spectators at 19:00, with access from Rozenkrantz’ gate, Haakon VIIs gate, and Dokkveien by Aker Brygge. Witnesses reported the lines moving quickly.

Earlier in the day, supporters had already begun assembling near the Royal Palace, where a Facebook-organised group chant—“Norge vinner VM”—drew hundreds. TikTok personality Heritier Mufano Rutikanga, known as “Mufano,” led the roaring crowd. Extra barriers were installed to protect the palace flowerbeds after previous celebrations saw damage.

Brazilian fans, including Diego Costalonga and Gabriella Alves, joined the pre-match festivities. Costalonga, who follows Brasil across Europe, admitted concern over Erling Braut Haaland but predicted a Brazilian victory. Alves praised the Norwegian supporters’ spirit, despite their rival loyalty.

At Nieu bar in Grünerløkka, crowds had thinned by 17:30 after an earlier rush, though staff expected another surge before kickoff.