Norway enjoyed the support of one of the country's most famous sports personalities during their World Cup quarter-final clash against England in Miami.
Chess legend Magnus Carlsen was spotted in the stands of Hard Rock Stadium, watching Norway battle for a spot in the semi-finals. He joined thousands of fans hoping the national team would continue their remarkable World Cup run.
Unfortunately for Magnus and the "Vikings," they lost 1-2 after extra time, bringing their 2026 World Cup fairy tale to an end.
While primarily known as one of the greatest chess players in history (many consider him the greatest), Carlsen has long been a passionate football enthusiast. The Norwegian has often spoken about his love for the sport and has closely followed his country's national team performances over the years.
Carlsen also has a strong connection to club football. He has been a Real Madrid supporter since childhood, and after winning the World Chess Championship, he was invited to perform the ceremonial kick-off at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Carlsen also garnered attention for his success in Fantasy Premier League, even briefly topping the global rankings during the 2019/20 season.
With Norway reaching the final stages of the 2026 World Cup, Carlsen's presence in the crowd was no surprise. He was there to support his country on one of the most significant nights in its footballing history.