Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere held a press briefing while jogging with members of the media on June 15, 2026, in Boston ahead of Norway's opening match against Iraq at the World Cup. Stoere, 65, wore a Norway training top and shorts and answered reporters’ questions on the run, accompanied by bodyguards and American Secret Service agents [1, 2].
The Norwegian Labour leader took office as prime minister in October 2021. He was invited to the World Cup game by FIFA and Norwegian Football Association president Lise Klaveness [1, 2]. Norway is in Group I alongside Iraq, Senegal, and France, returning to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998 [1, 2].
Stoere praised striker Erling Haaland as "the best striker in the world," calling him "a megastar" and "in the same league as the very best." He added, "Individual players score goals, but teams win matches," and emphasized team effort as key during the tournament [1].
Reflecting on the trip, Stoere said, "This is a nice trip to go on, one that is not primarily about work, but about a side of the job that is very exciting" [1]. He noted Norway’s tradition of strong players but stressed the importance of teamwork in succeeding on the world stage [1].
After the match against Iraq, Stoere plans to travel directly back home [1, 2].