UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Jahr Støre (video)
Diplomacy took a footballing turn when British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Jahr Sture exchanged barbs ahead of the World Cup quarter-final match between their countries, with the two leaders appearing in their national team shirts during a meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Türkiye.The friendly exchange quickly caught the attention of football fans, which also showed Storr imitating Norway’s 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 meet in the World Cup quarter-finals in Miami on July 11, with a place at stake in the semi-finals.
Premiers mark historic rivalry with football banter
Standing side by side in England and Norway shirts, the two leaders mixed politics with football history as they looked ahead to a 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 qualifiers and we won,” Storr said. “Maggie Thatcher, can you hear me?” said the radio commentator. “Your children have been dealt a severe blow.”He watches:
The Norwegian leader also urged England not to underestimate his country’s national team, which emerged as one of the tournament’s surprises after eliminating five-time world champion Brazil.
However, Starmer had a witty response ready.Starmer replied: “Yes, but what I left out is that England only won the World Cup under a Labor government – in 1966. So it is our time.”Not to be outdone, Storr ended the conversation with a smile, saying: “Wait and see. It’s going to be a great match. Good to see you.”
Norway is looking forward to another surprise after Brazil’s shock
The jovial talk reflected the growing excitement around the quarter-final match that few had anticipated 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.Meanwhile, England survived a tough test against hosts Mexico, overcoming a thrilling match 3-2 to reach the quarter-finals.While the political leaders exchanged jokes and smiles in Istanbul, the two teams will now turn their attention to Miami, where banter will give way to high-stakes football.