Diplomacy returned to football 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 wearing 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 saw Støre mimic Norway’s now famous ‘Roar’ celebration, a move that has become synonymous with the Scandinavian side’s remarkable run to the last eight.England and Norway are set to meet in the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup in Miami on July 11, with a semifinal spot at stake.
PMs rekindle historic rivalry in 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.“Can I say, you know, 45 years ago, Norway played England in the qualifiers and we won. And the radio commentator said, ‘Maggie Thatcher, did you hear me? Your boys took a hell of a beating,’ “said Støre.WATCH: The Norwegian leader also urged England not to underestimate his country’s side, who emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament after knocking out five-time champions Brazil.Starmer, however, had a ready answer.“Yes, but what you’re leaving out of the account is that England only won the World Cup under Labor governments – 1966. So the time is ours,” Starmer replied.Not to be outdone, Støre signed off on the exchange with a smile, saying: “Wait and see. It’s going to be a great match. Nice to see you.”
Norway is looking at another upset after the Brazil shock
The light exchanges reflected the growing excitement in the quarterfinals that few had predicted before the tournament.Norway stunned football powerhouse Brazil with a 2-1 win in the Round of 16 to book their place in the last eight, continuing one of the most impressive underdog stories at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.England, meanwhile, survived a tough test against co-hosts Mexico, prevailing in a thrilling 3-2 contest to reach the quarterfinals.While political leaders exchange jokes and smiles in Istanbul, both teams will now turn their attention to Miami, where banter will give way to high-stakes football.