Norway’s Viking Row Goes Viral As Haaland, Ødegaard Lead World Cup Celebrations

Norway’s players and supporters erupted into jubilant celebrations after securing a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages, with captain Martin Ødegaard and striker Erling Haaland leading the now-famous “Viking Row” following their dramatic 3-2 victory over Senegal.

The emotional scenes unfolded at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Monday night after Norway booked their spot in the Round of 32 with a second consecutive win in Group I. As fans remained in the stands long after the final whistle, the players gathered in front of the travelling support to perform the synchronised rowing celebration that has become one of the defining images of Norway’s tournament.

Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in formation, the squad mimicked rowing a Viking longboat while thousands of supporters joined in from the stands, creating a deafening atmosphere. The celebration was led by Arsenal midfielder Ødegaard and Manchester City forward Haaland, whose two goals against Senegal proved decisive in securing qualification.

Videos of the post-match scenes quickly spread across social media, drawing admiration from football fans around the world and further cementing the “Viking Row” as one of the standout traditions of the 2026 World Cup.

The celebration has become a powerful symbol of Norwegian unity throughout the tournament. Supporters have performed the coordinated chant and rowing routine not only inside stadiums but also in fan zones, city centres and iconic locations across the United States. In recent days, large groups of Norwegian fans were seen staging the Viking Row in the streets of New York and even in Times Square, attracting crowds of curious onlookers.

For Norway, the celebrations carried added significance given the nation’s long wait to return to football’s biggest stage. The Scandinavian side are appearing at their first World Cup since France 1998, ending a 28-year absence from the tournament.

That long-awaited return has been marked by a growing wave of national optimism, fuelled by a talented generation led by Haaland and Ødegaard. The pair have become the faces of Norway’s resurgence, helping guide the country from international football’s fringes back into the global spotlight.

Their latest triumph against Senegal ensured Norway advanced to the knockout rounds with a perfect six points from their opening two group matches, joining France at the top of Group I.

While attention will soon turn to the challenges of the knockout stage, the Viking Row celebrations offered a reminder of how far Norwegian football has come. For one night at least, players and supporters rowed together in celebration of a historic achievement, with the images certain to remain among the enduring memories of this World Cup.