OSLO — Norwegian soccer supporters have embraced a synchronized "Viking row" chant as the defining fan ritual of the country's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, with the celebration spreading from stadiums in North America to public gatherings in Norway and abroad, according to Reuters witnesses, tournament coverage and supporters' groups.
The celebration, performed by seated fans who mimic rowing a Viking longship while chanting in unison, has become a prominent feature of Norway's first men's World Cup appearance in 28 years. The ritual has been repeated before and after matches and has drawn attention on social media as Norway advanced to the knockout stage, Reuters and other media reported.
Supporters first introduced the coordinated chant during warm-up events before the tournament, and it quickly became part of the team's matchday identity. Fans have staged the display in Boston, New York's Times Square and outside World Cup venues in the United States, where the tournament is being co-hosted with Canada and Mexico. Reuters video from Boston showed large groups of supporters performing the rowing motion while chanting "Norge" in support of the national team.
"This is the happiest thing that can happen to Norway. Everyone here is so happy. We are going to support them for all matches," Norway supporter Mathias Fluaten told Reuters ahead of the team's opening match in Boston. Another supporter, Tore Midttveit, said: "It's been forever — so now is at least our time to come here. Yeah, so this is an experience."
The celebration has also been adopted by the players. After Norway secured a place in the knockout rounds with victory over Senegal, members of the squad joined supporters on the field in performing the rowing chant. Hours later, hundreds of fans gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo, where they repeated the ritual while celebrating the result, according to Reuters. The Royal House said it shared the country's excitement but did not say whether King Harald V had been awakened by the early-morning gathering.
While the chant has been widely celebrated as a display of national identity and supporter culture, some commentators have questioned the use of Viking symbolism, noting its historical associations. Others have described the ritual as a modern sporting tradition intended to emphasize unity rather than history.
Norway remains in the World Cup knockout stage, with supporters continuing to use the Viking rowing chant at matches and fan events as the tournament progresses, according to Reuters and tournament coverage.
