Oslo: Norway’s football team was greeted with an emotional national celebration in the capital on Monday, as fans turned the disappointment of their FIFA World Cup exit into a moment of pride and unity.

The team’s remarkable run came to an end on Saturday after a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in the quarterfinals, ending Norway’s hopes of reaching the semifinals. But the result did little to dampen the admiration of supporters, who flooded Oslo in massive numbers to honour the squad.

The players arrived home to a traditional water cannon salute before beginning their official homecoming celebrations. Under the Norwegian summer sun, crowds gathered early at the Royal Palace grounds, with an unofficial turnout estimated at more than 100,000.

Supporters filled the palace square and stretched down Karl Johans gate, Oslo’s main street, as the squad attended an audience with King Harald. The team later stepped out to greet the fans, with the Royal Guard standing at attention behind them.

Striker Erling Haaland, however, was absent from the final stage of the celebrations after leaving early. His departure meant he missed the team’s appearance on the palace steps, where his teammates joined thousands of fans for one final “Viking row,” led by Crown Prince Haakon on the drums.

Despite the quarterfinal defeat, Norway’s historic World Cup campaign has been celebrated as a defining moment for the nation.