UK and Norwegian PMs trade football banter ahead of World Cup clash

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Video grab)

Diplomacy took a footballing turn as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre exchanged light-hearted barbs ahead of their countries' FIFA World Cup quarterfinal clash, with the two leaders posing in their national team jerseys during a meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey. The friendly exchange quickly caught the attention of football fans, which also showed Støre mimicking Norway's now-famous 'Roar' celebration, a gesture that has become synonymous with the Scandinavian side's remarkable run to the last eight. England and Norway are set to face off in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal in Miami on July 11, with a semifinal berth at stake.

PMs revive historic rivalry with football banter

Standing side by side in England and Norway jerseys, the two leaders mixed politics with football history as they looked ahead to the blockbuster encounter. Støre reminded Starmer of one of the most famous moments in Norwegian football history. "May I say, you know, 45 years ago, Norway played England in the qualification and we won. And the radio commentator said, 'Maggie Thatcher, can you hear me? Your boys took a hell of a beating," Støre said.

WATCH: The Norwegian leader also urged England not to underestimate his country's side, which has emerged as one of the tournament's surprise packages after eliminating five-time champions Brazil. Starmer, however, had a witty response ready. "Yeah, but what you're leaving out of account is that England only won the World Cup under Labour governments - 1966. So the time is ours," Starmer replied. Not to be outdone, Støre signed off the exchange with a smile, saying: "Wait and see. It will be a great match. Nice to see you."

Norway eye another upset after Brazil shock

The light-hearted exchange reflected the growing excitement around a quarterfinal that few predicted before the tournament. Norway stunned football powerhouse Brazil with a 2-1 victory in the Round of 16 to book their place in the last eight, continuing one of the most impressive underdog stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. England, meanwhile, survived a stern test against co-hosts Mexico, edging a thrilling 3-2 contest to reach the quarterfinals. While the political leaders traded jokes and smiles in Istanbul, both teams will now turn their attention to Miami, where the banter will give way to high-stakes football.