Personnel from Norway’s Army, Navy and Air Force have joined the nationwide celebrations surrounding the country’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign by performing the viral “Viking Row”. A video widely shared on social media shows members of the armed forces recreating the synchronised rowing movement in full military gear, paying tribute to Norway’s seafaring heritage while celebrating the national football team’s achievements.
The video features soldiers moving in unison across grassy hillsides, sailors performing the routine aboard military vessels and Air Force personnel joining the celebration on aircraft and at military installations. Wearing camouflage uniforms, the troops mimic the action of rowing an ancient Viking longship while chanting together. The coordinated display has drawn widespread praise online as an expression of national pride and unity.
The celebration comes after Norway produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16. The dramatic victory secured Norway’s first-ever place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals and ended Brazil’s campaign. The result triggered emotional celebrations across Norway, with supporters gathering in streets and public squares.
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The “Viking Row” has emerged as one of the defining images of Norway’s World Cup journey. After the victory over Brazil, star striker and Golden Boot contender Erling Haaland led his teammates in a similar celebration. Players and supporters had also performed Viking-inspired chants and rowing movements earlier in the tournament as Norway marked its return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.
The routine involves participants sitting or crouching together and rhythmically moving backwards and forwards as though rowing a Viking ship, often accompanied by coordinated chants and drumbeats. The gesture has come to represent unity, strength and collective fighting spirit, drawing a connection between Norway’s historic Viking heritage and the teamwork displayed by the national side during its tournament run.
The celebration has spread far beyond stadiums, with Norwegian supporters performing the Viking Row on city streets, in fan zones and other public spaces across the United States. Large groups of fans have also staged the routine at prominent locations, including Times Square in New York. The participation of Norway’s armed forces has now added another dimension to a celebration that has become closely associated with the country’s historic World Cup campaign.
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