Norwegian football team flying home from World Cup look out of plane window and spot F-35 escorting them
Published on Jul 17, 2026 at 12:05 AM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Jul 17, 2026 at 12:05 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Daisy Edwards
Few World Cup heroes can say their experience included an F-35 fighter jet, but the Norwegian football team was given a welcome home that trumps any other.
As their flight made its way back to Norway, the players glanced out of the windows to spot an incredible surprise flying alongside them.
Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 fighter jets had joined the aircraft in formation, with one pilot even displaying a Norwegian flag inside the cockpit and cheekily waving.
Mirza Duran filmed the unforgettable moment, sharing footage that has since amazed viewers online.
The Norwegian football team got quite the homecoming
Most flights home after a major tournament are memorable enough, but Norway’s return from the 2026 FIFA World Cup came with a military escort that made the airplane journey truly unforgettable.
Mirza Duran showed the view outside the team’s plane as an F-35 Lightning II flew alongside it at cruising altitude.
The stealth fighter kept pace with the passenger aircraft, giving everyone onboard a rare opportunity to see one of the world’s most advanced combat jets from just a short distance away.
As the aircraft continued side by side, the camera zoomed in on the fighter’s cockpit, revealing the pilot proudly displaying a large Norwegian flag and waving.
The patriotic display was the perfect way to celebrate Norway’s impressive World Cup run and created a homecoming that the players are unlikely to forget anytime soon.
Formation flying alongside a civilian aircraft requires exceptional precision, making the escort just as impressive from an flying standpoint as it was visually.
The F-35 experience was unforgettable
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter jet used by air forces around the world, including the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
The amazing plane is designed to reach up to Mach 1.6.
Although F-35s frequently take part in military exercises and ceremonial flypasts, it’s unusual to see them escorting a civilian aircraft carrying a national football team.
The addition of the Norwegian flag inside the cockpit made the escorting even more meaningful, turning it into a patriotic tribute as the squad returned home following its World Cup campaign.
The incredible footage has since captured the attention of viewers across social media, with one commenter writing: “Is this even realll”
For the players onboard, it was a fitting end to an unforgettable tournament.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
