NEW YORK: Erling Haaland was at the heart of Norway’s latest World Cup moment on Monday, not just for his goals, but for embracing the viral “Viking Row” celebration after a dramatic 3-2 win over Senegal in New Jersey.
The Manchester City striker, who scored twice in the contest, joined teammates and supporters in performing the unique celebration that has quickly become one of the defining images of Norway’s tournament campaign.
The ritual, which has been seen across Norwegian fan zones in Boston and New York during the World Cup, involves supporters sitting in a Viking longboat formation and mimicking rowing motions in time with drums and chants.
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The idea is inspired by Norway’s Viking heritage, symbolising the seafaring journeys of Norse warriors and explorers from more than a thousand years ago.
Unlike Iceland’s famous “Viking Clap” from Euro 2016, which is built around synchronised clapping and chanting, Norway’s version recreates the physical motion of rowing a ship forward, turning the stands into a moving, rhythmic display of national identity.
🚨 WORLD CUP 2026! 🇲🇽🇺🇸🇨🇦
Unforgettable moment for Norway today as they qualified for the Round of 32 in VIKING style. 🇳🇴🚣 pic.twitter.com/HFnUoPr5ny
— Polymarket FC (@PolymarketFC) June 23, 2026
After the win over Senegal, Erling Haaland explained how the celebration came to life within the squad.
“I saw it online; it’s gone completely viral,” Haaland told Fox Sports. “Martin [Ødegaard] asked me before the game: ‘Do you think we should join in?’ I said, ‘If we win, let’s do it, why not?’”
Haaland joined captain Martin Ødegaard, teammates, and even head coach Ståle Solbakken as they headed toward the Norwegian fans after full-time and took part in the rowing celebration together.
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The striker’s brace took his tournament tally to four goals, keeping him firmly in the race for the Golden Boot alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane.
The victory also ensured Norway will at least finish second in Group I, with a high-stakes clash against France still to come to decide top spot.
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