Cardiac Arrest and World Cup Kiss of Norway Coach
US—Right after final whistle of match against Senegal on June 22, Norway coach Stale Solbakken ran to stands, found wife Anniken, hugged and kissed her.
"I climbed stands to find wife though did not know seat location," Solbakken said after beating Senegal 3-2 at New York/New Jersey Stadium on June 22, sending Norway to World Cup 2026 round of 32. Moment Solbakken kissed wife went viral on social media and international press.
He then joined team, participated in "Viking Rowing" celebration with fans.
Solbakken prioritizing wife came from 2001 medical emergency that made him put family first.
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Norway coach Stale Solbakken went to stands to hug wife Anniken after 3-2 win against Senegal at World Cup 2026, June 22. Photo: Patrick Smith/FIFA
Morning of March 13, 2001, Solbakken took child to kindergarten, then went to Copenhagen (Denmark) training ground. After 40 minutes of exercise, he collapsed from cardiac arrest, despite playing match against Aalborg days earlier.
Doctor Frank Odgaard performed CPR and used defibrillator. At hospital, player was clinically dead. Odgaard said: "His revival is miracle because he stopped breathing for 7 minutes and heart stopped for 12 minutes."
Suffering temporary amnesia about incident, Solbakken later realized family and teammates suffered biggest shock. He said: "My mother planned funeral on flight to Denmark, while Anniken, 23, faced ordeal alone with two young children."
After discharge, he planned to train and play until 36. However, not wanting family to worry every time he played, 33-year-old midfielder retired. He said: "Cardiac arrest helped me understand what matters, bound us as family based on love."
Anniken avoided media for years, silently supporting husband from stands.
June 2026, Netflix released documentary "Norway: The Dark Horse" about Solbakken family. They have three adult children. Youngest daughter Ida, 21, studies nursing. Second son Markus plays for Danish Superliga club AGF, played for national team coached by father in September 2023. Eldest son Sondre married, had first daughter in 2023.
In World Cup 2026 Group I, before beating Senegal, Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 on June 16. Solbakken's team faces decider for top spot against France on June 26.