Soccer-World Cup baby joy for Norway's Ostigard


Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group I - Iraq v Norway - Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, U.S. - June 16, 2026 Norway's Leo Ostigard celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates REUTERS/Brian Snyder

June 20 (Reuters) - Days after ⁠scoring in Norway's 4-1 win over Iraq, Norway defender ⁠Leo Ostigard has become a father, following the birth ‌of his first child over FaceTime as he continues his World Cup campaign with the squad.

Ostigard, who has been receiving parenting tips from teammate Erling ​Haaland, provided long-distance support to his ⁠partner Aurora Eidmann as she ⁠gave birth to their son on Friday.

"I'm completely exhausted myself, ⁠it ‌was absolutely amazing. She did so well, there wasn't much I could say, I just had to help ⁠her work and get him out. I'm proud, ​amazing," the ‌26-year-old said in a video published by the Norwegian FA ⁠on its ​social media channels.

"When I saw him for the first time, I was blown away. It's absolutely insane. I'm so happy and proud. ⁠It's definitely the greatest thing I've ​ever experienced," he told reporters.

Ostigard told reporters that shortly after his son was born, the family's peace was broken by a knock ⁠on his hotel room door.

"Four lads came jumping into the room. It was probably Sander (Berge), Erling (Haaland) and Joergen (Strand Larsen)," Ostigard said.

Norway play Senegal in Group I at the New York/New Jersey ​Stadium on Monday.

"I think it makes ⁠me a little more relaxed, that everything has gone well, because ​you never know. Now it's just ‌joy and I'm very happy that ​things are good, and that my boy is out," Ostigard said.

(Reporting by Philip O'Connor, editing by Ed Osmond)

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