Parades are sometimes just reserved for champions.

But not in Norway’s case. 

Despite falling to England 2-1 Saturday in the World Cup quarterfinals, Norway’s national team was greeted with a hero’s welcome when it arrived back in the country after a historic run. 

As they approached landing, Norway players and staff crowded around their plane windows to see Norwegian military jets taking them back to Oslo for a royal reception.

Erling Haaland — who made headlines for his dominance on the field and humor off the field — walked down the plane’s steps with a stuffed raccoon he bought in Dallas. 

Over 100,000 fans flooded the streets of the nation’s capital, packing the palace before stretching far down the main street. 

Then, the team stepped out to greet fans with the Royal Guard standing right by. 

Members of Norway’s royal household joined tens of thousands of Norway supporters for the “Viking Row” chant, which became famous during the country’s takeover in the United States.

Crown Prince Haakon led the row as he banged a drum the same way Haaland and captain Martin Ødegaard did after Norway’s World Cup wins. 

As supporters celebrated the country’s accomplishments, players traveled through Oslo on an open-top bus. 

“I don’t think anyone had imagined this,” Ødegaard told Norwegian broadcaster NRK. “The support we have received in the USA and here at home in Norway has been beyond all expectations. It has been absolutely incredible to see.” 

Long after dark, Norway players celebrated with beer and waved while the party continued. 

In its first World Cup appearance since 1998, Norway reached the quarterfinals with key wins over Ivory Coast and Brazil. 

Haaland was the architect of Norway’s dominance, scoring seven goals in his first career World Cup.