Viking-style rowing performance at Times Square goes viral
The "Viking row" ritual at Times Square and in the stands after Norway's victory over Senegal at the 2026 World Cup has gone viral on social media platforms.
In their return to the 2026 World Cup finals, the Norway national team secured a spot in the knockout stage after a 3-2 victory over Senegal in the second match of Group I.
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The Nordic representative went viral on social media with images of fans in red outfits performing the "Viking row" ritual in various locations, from escalators and stadium stands to Times Square in New York, USA. Videos captured by fans of this moment have spread across social media platforms, attracting hundreds of thousands of views.
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Norway fans' Viking-style rowing celebration at the World Cup
Norway fans' Viking-style rowing celebration at Times Square and MetLife Stadium on June 22. Source: bennybendz
On June 22, to prepare for the match, hundreds of Norwegian fans gathered in the central area of Times Square, one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York, to cheer on their home team. The appearance of the group of fans in traditional attire performing the rowing ritual attracted the attention of locals.
Many international tourists at the scene also stopped to record and sat down to join in the movements with the group of fans, according to AP.
After the victory against Senegal on the evening of June 22 (local time), at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (USA), Norwegian fans and players continued their emotional celebration. In many sections, fans sat in neat rows waiting for the signal from the captain. After each drumbeat came a shout of "Ro" (Row) from the Norwegians, accompanied by arms performing rowing motions. The movement was repeated for nearly a minute.
After finishing the rowing performance, the players jumped up, cheering and celebrating with the fans. Haaland exclaimed: "It's crazy, I think this is one of the best nights of my life."
Norway fans celebrate with a Viking-style rowing performance at MetLife Stadium. Photo: AP
This celebration is called the "Viking row", simulating ancient warriors sitting on a longship and rowing to the beat of a drum. The activity was inspired by the "Viking Clap" previously performed by the Iceland national team at Euro 2016. For the "Viking row", the entire crowd sits down, aligned in fixed vertical rows, leaning backward and reaching forward in unison to the rhythm to create a wave-like motion effect.
Live broadcast images showed a similar atmosphere recorded in the city of Trondheim (Norway), creating a connection among the country's fans around the world.
Sharing about the celebratory moment, striker Erling Haaland said he and Martin had discussed before the match whether they should execute this plan, and they did.
"I think it was a special moment for the Norwegian people," Erling Haaland said.