EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Norway secured their spot in the knockout rounds of the World Cup by defeating Senegal 3-2 on Monday, and their players celebrated with the popular “Viking Row.”
This chant, which has been embraced by Norway fans for the first time at this World Cup, was showcased at both of their opening matches and throughout host cities like Boston and New York City. The Viking Row involves fans forming a longboat shape while rowing in unison to the beat of drums, reminiscent of Iceland’s famous “Viking Clap” from 2016.
Erling Haaland, a passionate advocate for Norway, expressed his enthusiasm for the chant after the game. “I saw it online; it’s gone completely viral,” Haaland told Fox Sports. “Martin [Ødegaard] asked me before the game: ‘Should we join in?’ I said, ‘If we win, let’s do it!’”
Post-match, Haaland, along with his teammates and coach Ståle Solbakken, eagerly joined their fans at MetLife Stadium to participate in the celebration.
Haaland scored two goals in the match, bringing his tournament total to four, as he competes for the Golden Boot against players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane. Norway’s victory ensures they will finish at least second in Group I, with their next match against France determining the group winner.
Regarding their next challenge against France, Haaland stated, “I’m not too concerned about that match right now. We’ve qualified. We’ve qualified.” He added, “They’re likely to win against us and possibly the entire tournament.”
Haaland remains in remarkable form, scoring in every competitive match for Norway since October 2024, totaling 24 goals over a 12-game stretch. “I’m thoroughly enjoying it,” he shared. “Playing for Norway has been a great experience since my debut in 2019.”
While the fans revel in the “Viking Row,” Norway’s manager Solbakken downplayed its significance, even though he participated in the fun. In the postmatch press conference, he noted that he had heard it during the games but didn’t focus too much on it. “It’s enjoyable for the fans,” Solbakken remarked. “We won’t be rowing post-World Cup, but it’s a fun gimmick for now.”