Hours before the match kickoff on July 11, the Norwegian carrier challenged British Airways on Instagram, proposing that the airline representing the losing team would replace its profile picture with the winner’s logo within 24 hours, EuroNews reported.
Norway took the lead in the 35th minute, but England staged a comeback with two goals from Jude Bellingham to book a semifinal spot with a 2-1 victory, leaving Norwegian on the losing side of the bet.
Shortly after the final whistle, the budget carrier updated its social media profile as promised.
In a post acknowledging the defeat, the Norwegian carrier said Norway’s World Cup campaign had ended but described the friendly wager as a fun experience, while wishing England success in the remainder of the tournament.
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A screenshot shows Norwegian Air changed its social media profile picture to the British Airways logo after losing a viral World Cup bet. |
“We sincerely hope you’ll get to bring football home,” wrote Norwegian Air sportingly in a caption accompanying BA’s logo, with reference to the popular song and chant accompanying England’s bid to win another tournament since winning its only World Cup in 1966.
The airline also launched a flash sale on flights from England to Norway, offering discounted fares to destinations including Oslo as part of the lighthearted aftermath of the bet.
British Airways responded in the same spirit, saying the two airlines were “rivals for 90 minutes, friends forever.”
The lighthearted exchange quickly gained traction on Instagram, drawing reactions from dozens of verified accounts belonging to airlines, airports, and travel agencies, which joined the playful banter in the comments section.
Malaysia Airlines wrote: “Respect to @flynorwegian. Most airlines need six months and 14 approvals to change a logo.”
