Watch: Keir Starmer, Jonas Gahr Støre exchange playful World Cup banter ahead of England v Norway quarter-final clash | Football news

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (video clip)

Diplomacy took a footballing turn when UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre exchanged light-hearted criticism ahead of their countries’ meeting FIFA World Cup quarterfinal clash, and the two leaders pose in their national teams’ jerseys during the meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey.The friendly exchange quickly caught the attention of football fans, which also saw Støre mimicking Norway’s now famous ‘Roar’ celebration, a gesture that has become synonymous with the Scandinavian side’s remarkable run to the last eight.England and Norway are due to meet in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup in Miami on July 11, with the semi-finals at stake.

Premiers revive historic rivalry with football jokes

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 a qualifier and we won. And the radio commentator said, ‘Maggie Thatcher, can you hear me? Your lads are beaten like hell,'” Støre said.WATCH: The Norwegian leader also urged England not to underestimate his country’s team, which has emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament following the elimination of five-time champions Brazil.Starmer, however, had a witty response ready.“Yes, but what you’re leaving out is that England only won the World Cup under a Labor government – in 1966. So it’s our time,” Starmer replied.Not to be outdone, Støre signed off the exchange with a smile, saying: “Wait and see. It’s going to be a great match. Nice to see you.”

Norway are looking at another surprise after the shock in Brazil

The light-hearted exchange reflected the growing excitement around the quarter-finals that few predicted before the tournament.Norway stunned football powerhouse Brazil with a 2-1 victory in the round of 16 to secure their place in the last 16, continuing one of the most impressive underdog stories at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.England, meanwhile, survived a stellar test against co-hosts Mexico, escaping in a thrilling 3-2 match to reach the quarter-finals.While political leaders exchanged jokes and smiles in Istanbul, both teams will now turn their attention to Miami, where banter will give way to high-stakes football.