Norwegian Air changes its Instagram logo after losing FIFA World Cup bet to British Airways as England beats Norway 2-1 in 2026 quarter-final

A friendly social media challenge between two European airlines turned into one of the most talked-about World Cup 2026 moments off the pitch after Norwegian Air temporarily replaced its Instagram logo with British Airways' iconic Speedmarque following England's dramatic FIFA World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway.

What began as a playful wager between the two carriers quickly captured the attention of millions online, with other international airlines joining the banter before Norwegian honoured its promise after England's 2-1 extra-time win in Miami.

British Airways and Norwegian Air turned a football rivalry into social media gold

The light-hearted contest began ahead of the FIFA World Cup quarter-final when Norwegian Air challenged British Airways to a logo bet on Instagram.


The rules were straightforward. If Norway won, British Airways would swap its Instagram profile picture for Norwegian Air's logo for one day. If England came out on top, Norwegian Air would do the same.

Norwegian Air teased its British counterpart by asking whether it was ready to "risk your logo."

British Airways responded with equal confidence. "Don't make bets you can't win."

It later accepted the challenge with another playful post: "Challenge accepted! Just don't be surprised if we take the win at cruising altitude."

Earlier in the exchange, the airline also joked: "Scared? Nor-way, mate."

FIFA World Cup quarter-final delivers dramatic finish

The friendly wager remained alive until the final whistle as the World Cup quarter-final produced plenty of drama.

Norway took the lead through Andreas Schjelderup in the 36th minute, putting England under pressure.

England responded in first-half stoppage time when Jude Bellingham levelled the score before finding the net again early in extra time to seal a 2-1 victory and send England into the FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

The result meant Norwegian Air had officially lost the wager.

Norwegian Air keeps its promise after England's victory

True to its word, Norwegian Air temporarily replaced its usual Instagram profile picture with British Airways' Speedmarque logo.

The airline also congratulated both England and British Airways with a post that read: "It's coming home."

Norwegian Air added that it wished England and British Airways the very best for the semi-final and hoped they would "bring football home."

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A post shared by Norwegian (@flynorwegian)

The gesture was widely praised as an example of good sportsmanship and clever brand marketing.

Other airlines joined the playful exchange

The wager soon evolved into a global social media conversation as several airlines joined the fun.

Malaysia Airlines joked that it would enjoy the contest with: "Satay in one hand and signature drink in the other."

Meanwhile, Austrian Airlines added: "We'll bring the Schnitzel."

After Norwegian changed its logo, Malaysia Airlines returned with another humorous comment: "Respect to @flynorwegian! Most airlines need six months and 14 approvals to change a logo."

The good-natured interaction between airlines attracted widespread praise from social media users.

Joint video confirmed the friendly logo bet

Before kick-off, British Airways and Norwegian Air even shared a joint video showing representatives shaking hands to confirm the challenge.

The video reinforced that the wager was designed purely as friendly sporting fun, highlighting how brands can engage with major sporting events in creative and entertaining ways.

While England celebrated reaching the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, both airlines emerged as winners in terms of online engagement.