Leo Østigård, a defender for the Norway national team, has become a father, but was forced to watch the birth via video call due to his presence with the squad at the 2026 World Cup.
The 26-year-old was unable to attend in person, as he was busy preparing with the Scandinavian side in the United States for their second group-stage match against Senegal on Monday in New Jersey.
Østigård said he was "exhausted" from the call he received at the Norwegian squad's hotel in North Carolina, but described the experience as "absolutely wonderful".
A video clip published by the Norwegian Football Federation showed his teammates singing and clapping for him at the hotel in celebration of the newborn.
Østigård had scored a headed goal shortly after coming on as a substitute in Norway's 4-1 victory over Iraq in their World Cup opener, dedicating it to his loved ones by forming the letter "A" with his fingers — a reference to his partner Aurora's name.