Norway makes pitch for Bangladeshi fans before WC

The Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka has launched a creative campaign urging local football fans to adopt Norway as their “second team” for the tournament.

In a social media appeal, the embassy noted that Norway is returning to football’s biggest stage after a 28-year absence, while also highlighting the deep ties between the two nations. Norway was among the first countries to recognise Bangladesh’s independence, and the two nations have since cooperated on peacebuilding, mediation, and climate action.

“Our bond is built on respect, history and friendship,” the embassy said.

The campaign draws several parallels between the two countries: both are coastal nations shaped by rivers and the sea, both share a cultural love for fish, and both though small in their own ways, nurture big global ambitions. Bangladesh is geographically tiny, while Norway has a low number of populations.

For football fans still undecided, the embassy pointed to Norway’s biggest sporting attraction Manchester City striker Erling Braut Haaland, one of the world’s top goal scorers.

“So, what do you say, Bangladesh? Time to back the underdogs! Time to dream big together!” the post concluded.
Traditionally, Bangladeshi supporters have rallied behind World Cup powerhouses like Argentina and Brazil. Whether Norway can win over a significant following remains to be seen, but the embassy’s unusual outreach has already generated considerable interest among local football lovers.