Norway's 'Viking Row' Fever Reaches India Ahead of England Clash

Norway’s viral “Viking Row” celebration reached India on Thursday as the country’s Ambassador May-Elin Stener joined embassy officials and football fans at the Royal Norwegian Embassy to recreate the signature celebration associated with Norway’s historic 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

The synchronised celebration, in which supporters imitate the motion of rowing a Viking longboat, has become a defining image of Norway’s run at the tournament. The tradition has spread widely across social media, with players including star striker Erling Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard joining supporters in performing the Viking Row after victories.

Norway have reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time and will face England on July 11. Their historic campaign has included an impressive 2-1 victory over Brazil in the Round of 16. Stener said the team’s success had generated immense excitement across Norway and praised the unity and collective effort behind the country’s remarkable progress.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Norway Set Up Blockbuster England Clash After Stunning Brazil

Haaland has been central to Norway’s campaign and is among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot with seven goals, one behind Argentina captain Lionel Messi. The Manchester City striker scored twice against Brazil, matching the record for the most goals by a player in a debut World Cup since Poland’s Grzegorz Lato scored seven times in 1974.

The Norwegian forward has scored his seven goals from only 18 shots, producing a conversion rate of 39 per cent. He is also averaging a goal every 14 touches, the lowest ratio recorded by any player to score at least three goals in a single World Cup edition over the past 60 years. His finishing efficiency has made him one of the tournament’s standout performers.

Norway’s quarterfinal against England will feature Haaland against a team led by captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. The victory over Brazil also extended Norway’s remarkable unbeaten record against the five-time world champions, making them the only nation among the 91 Brazil have faced that they have never defeated, with Norway recording three wins and two draws in five meetings

Also Read: Spain Coach Warns Belgium: Best of Lamine Yamal Still to Come