A British newspaper has taken an unusual approach ahead of the upcoming World Cup match between England and Norway by attempting to place a symbolic curse on the Norwegian football team. The gesture involved invoking ancient Norse symbolism and drawing on the traditions of spiritual practices.

In preparation for the fixture scheduled for July 11, 2026, a reporter from the publication used the Norwegian runic alphabet to inscribe a message on a Norwegian flag. The curse was reportedly inspired by Kwaku Bonsam, a Ghanaian spiritualist who has previously claimed to have placed a curse on England’s captain Harry Kane in a prior World Cup match. The reporter, dressed in an England jersey combined with Viking-themed attire, delivered the flag to the Norwegian Embassy in London’s Belgravia district. The inscription included the phrase “It’s coming home,” a slogan historically associated with English football supporters.

The publication described the intent as wishing non-severe misfortune upon the Norwegian side, with the act drawing on cultural and folkloric elements rather than any physical aggression. To provide academic context, the outlet consulted Terry Adrian Gunnell, a professor of folkloristics at the University of Iceland. Gunnell explained that in traditional Viking lore, certain magicians were believed to perform curses from elevated platforms, intended to afflict their targets with symptoms such as disrupted sleep.

While the symbolic curse reflects a blend of cultural motifs and competitive spirit ahead of the match, there has been no indication of any official response from the Norwegian football team or the Norwegian government regarding the gesture. The event underscores the continued intersection of sports, cultural expression, and folklore in the context of international competition.