Norwegian football jerseys sold out ahead of Three Lions showdown

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Norwegian football jerseys sold out ahead of Three Lions showdownImage source, ReutersImage caption, The Norway National Team 2026 Stadium jersey is sold at Nike and official retailersByRuth ComerfordPublished10 minutes agoOfficial retailers in Europe have sold out of the Norwegian national football team's jerseys ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter final between England and Norway. The Norwegian Football Association (NFF) says it has severely underestimated demand for the kits, which have been consistently out of stock at Nike and other outlets since they launched in March. Feverish interest in players like Erling Haaland, boosted by Norway's victory over Brazil, means shops have been swamped as soon as fresh kits drop.

Some fans have resorted to camping outside overnight to be first in line to buy. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Fever-pitch fandom around Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has fuelled demand for kitsDemand from fans "has exceeded all forecasts", commercial director Runar Pahr Andresen told Norwegian outlet TV2, adding that orders were at a record high this year. Torshov Sport in Oslo received a new batch of Norwegian national team jerseys on Tuesday, which prompted round-the-block queues ahead of Wednesday's trading.

The Details

Local reporters estimated the queue was around 600 metres in length, and snaked around several streets. Some dedicated fans had brought chairs to wait in line for 12 hours. Store manager Anders Lilleberg told local Norwegian outlet VG their energy was off the charts.

"I've been here for many years, but I've never encountered the kind of atmosphere that is there now. It's absolutely wild," he said. The shop is now inviting fans to register for its next kit drop, but can't guarantee all jerseys will be received in time for Saturday's big match.

More on this storyWhy has Erling Haaland added 'Braut' to Norway shirt? Published17 JuneThe World Cup stars who could have played for England Published1 day agoHow Kane and Haaland compare - who would you pick? Published9 hours agoAndresen said the association had "never made more money" from jersey sales than it is currently.

What Experts Say

The has contacted the NFF for comment. This year's order of approximately 250,000 kits is a record high. In comparison, around 50,000 kits were sold during the same period last year.

The official national jersey - red with the Norwegian flag's blue cross - has been sold out at Nike and a number of other outlets for weeks. A Nike spokesperson told the they "recognise the disappointment" among fans and are working to improve availability. Additional deliveries of the Norway Home Match and Stadium jerseys are currently anticipated to reach Norway in the coming days, followed by "broader availability thereafter", they added.

But some fans have decided to take matters into their hands and are paying exorbitant prices to get their hands on one. The Nike Norway 2026 Stadium Home Jersey had a retail price of £89.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.