After probably the greatest result in the history of the Norwegian national soccer team, its star striker led the now-iconic "row" celebration in front of the fans. Erling Haaland, who scored both goals in Norway’s superb 2-0 victory over five-times champions Brazil, beat the drum as his teammates and the supporters recreated the rowing action of their Viking ancestors.
A victory for the ages
The Norwegians faced a tall order going into their Round of 16 match in New Jersey. Playing its first World Cup in 28 years, Norway was up against Brazil, historically the greatest national soccer side of all time.
Brazil’s 2026 vintage, however, is not quite on the same level as its illustrious predecessors, and after Bruno Guimarães missed an early penalty, the Norwegians grew into the game.
In the second-half, Endrick spurned a golden chance for Brazil before Erling Haaland showed him how it’s done with a bullet header and a driven shot from the edge of the area to seal a 2-1 victory. In the post-match celebrations, Norwegian striker took hold of a drum and beat out a rhythm as his teammates sat behind him and rowed in a homage to the Viking and their longships.
Haaland gives thanks to the Norwegian fans. Source: AP
World Cup fever
As reported by The Viking Herald, the rowing celebration has been one of the fan highlights of the World Cup so far, even spreading as far as the Norwegian parliament.
As Norway’s most famous footballer and the key player in the victory over Brazil – alongside goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland – Haaland was the logical choice to lead the celebrations.
World Cup fever has also spread back home, too – an estimated 100,000 people were on the streets of Oslo at 2am celebrating the victory against Brazil, while even Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon has been spotted doing the rowing celebration.
Echoes of the past and a chance to make history
The Norway team have played up to their Viking heritage for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada. Even before departure, the team got dressed up in Viking clothing for a special Oslo shoot with legendary photographer David Yarrow. In the tournament, Haaland was spotted wearing a Viking helmet (though a two-horned one) in the Round of 32 victory over Ivory Coast.
Haaland is not the first Scandivian to make waves in North America, of course. 1,000 years ago, Leif Erikson also came west, the first European ever to reach the American continent. In part, Norway’s new celebration is a tribute to Erikson’s legacy.
Norway have now made the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time in their history. Next up is England on Saturday in Miami – 5pm local time, 11 pm in Norway. It promises to be another late-night classic.
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