Norwegian Defense Follows Child Birth via Video Call from World Cup
June 21, 2026 · Global
Leo Østigard, the Norwegian defender, followed the birth of his child via video chat at the team hotel during the World Cup. His colleagues provided support for this happy moment.
Leo Østigard, center back for the Norwegian national team, followed the birth of his child via video call from the team hotel during the World Cup. Østigard's decision is different from Belgian player, Jérémy Doku, who chose to be by his heavily pregnant wife's side.
After the birth, his colleagues sang a song to celebrate the happy moment, as seen in a video shared by the Norwegian football federation.
Østigard, who plays for Genoa, is a key player in the Norway squad. In the first group match against Iran, which Norway won 4-1, Østigard also managed to score a goal.
Norway will face Senegal tonight, and then play France in the final group game.
Discussions about being present at the birth of a child were also a hot topic in this tournament, especially in relation to Doku's decision, who stated that he wanted to accompany his wife when she gave birth. Doku, who is a Manchester City player, is also experiencing health problems and cannot play in Belgium's match against Iran scheduled for tonight.