Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, the children of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, were among the most visible supporters at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, witnessing Norway’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Brazil in the round of 16. The match. Held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 5, saw Erling Haaland score both goals, securing a historic win for Norway’s national team and sending them to their first World Cup quarterfinal since 1998.

Virality and protocol-breaking in the locker room

After the match. Ingrid Alexandra and Sverre Magnus were among the first to enter the locker room to congratulate the players; In a moment captured on video and shared by the Norwegian Royal House, Ingrid hugged Haaland, who was shirtless at the time. The image went viral on social media, with the royal house captioning the post “Miracle in New Jersey!”

Haaland, who has seven goals in 416 minutes played, became the top goal scorer for Norway at the World Cup. His average of one goal every 14 touches is the fewest among any player in the last 60 years who has scored three or more goals in the tournament. His performance helped Norway to four wins in its first World Cup since 1998, a feat described as “one of the sickest days ever in Norwegian history” by Haaland himself.

Family health and royal duties

The trip to the U.S. came after a period of uncertainty for the Norwegian royal family — Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who has suffered from pulmonary fibrosis since 2018, underwent a successful lung transplant in Oslo on June 17. This followed a worsening of her condition, which had led to her wearing a breathing tube during public engagements — the transplant allowed her children, Ingrid Alexandra and Sverre Magnus, to travel to the U.S. to represent the royal family at the World Cup.

According to reports from the Norwegian royal household, Mette-Marit is still recovering at Rikshospitalet, where she is expected to remain for several more weeks — Ingrid Alexandra had returned to Norway from Sydney University in Australia in early June to be with her family during her mother’s hospitalization.

The siblings had previously attended Norway’s match against Senegal on June 22, also in New Jersey, and During the recent Brazil match, they wore bright red and white Norway scarves to show their support. Their father, Crown Prince Haakon, and mother watched the game from home in Norway.

Family controversies and royal presence

Alongside their mother’s health struggles, the royal family has also faced a public controversy involving Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, and On June 15, he was sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of rape and other crimes following a seven-week trial. The sentencing added to the emotional turbulence for the royal family in the months leading up to the World Cup.

Ingrid Alexandra and Sverre Magnus, both second and third in line to the Norwegian throne, have become familiar faces at international sporting events. Their presence at the World Cup has been seen as a symbol of national pride, with Norway fans embracing their enthusiasm. The viral locker room moment with Haaland revealed their role in bridging the gap between the monarchy and the public, especially among younger generations.

As Norway prepares to face England in the quarterfinals, the country’s celebrations have taken over iconic locations like Times Square and Citi Field in New York. Norway’s manager, Ståle Solbakken, described the night as “the night of a lifetime” for the nation, and Haaland echoed that sentiment, urging everyone to “enjoy themselves” and “enjoy it, because this is sick.”