Baby joy in the World Cup: He has become a father

Norway and Genoa defender Leo Skiri Østigård, 26, has become a father while with the national team preparing for their match against Senegal.

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Women, it's fantastic, all honor to them.

"Women, it's fantastic, all honor to them," Østigård told reporters in Greensboro on Saturday afternoon, expressing his joy as a new father. He acknowledged the challenge of being away from his partner, Aurora Eidmann, and their newborn, stating, "I should have been there more than anything. But Aurora and I have talked a lot about this. We have tried to solve it in the best way. She understood that I want to be with Norway at the World Cup."

This year marks a significant period for Østigård, who also announced his engagement to Eidmann in May. He recently scored for Norway in their opening World Cup match against Iraq, netting a goal five minutes after being substituted in, which extended Norway's lead to 3-1. "It felt good to score a goal, she was happy on my behalf," he said of his partner's reaction.

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I should have been there more than anything. But Aurora and I have talked a lot about this. We have tried to solve it in the best way. She understood that I want to be with Norway at the World Cup.

Østigård joins a growing "fathers' club" within the Norwegian World Cup squad, which includes prominent players like Erling Braut Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, and Alexander Sørloth. The team is currently preparing for their match against Senegal, scheduled for early Tuesday morning.

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It felt good to score a goal, she was happy on my behalf.