Norway's Viking row, a synchronized rowing chant performed by fans, players, and even members of parliament, has become the viral phenomenon of the 2026 World Cup, surpassing the Icelandic thunderclap of 2016. The chant, which accompanies the Norwegian football team's appearances, has spread from stadiums to Times Square, the Norwegian parliament, and even F-35 fighter jet cockpits.
From Stadiums to Seismographs
When Norway advanced to the last 16, its best World Cup run since 1998, jubilant supporters rowing en masse in Oslo and Bergen produced so much sound that seismologists recorded an earthquake. The chant, which involves sitting as if in a longboat and drawing an imaginary oar through water to an accelerating drumbeat while chanting 'Ro' (Norwegian for 'row'), has captivated the nation.
Norway's star striker Erling Haaland posted a clip of the squad rowing after their win over Côte d'Ivoire, stating: 'This is bigger than football.' He told reporters: 'Seeing thousands rowing with you, you feel the energy. It gives you goosebumps.'
Origins of the Chant
Unlike most football chants, the Viking row was consciously devised by Ole Frøystad, a primary school teacher now known on social media as mr.row.row. Inspired by the rhythmic 'RO-SEN-BORG' chant from Rosenborg BK, Frøystad realized 'Ro' sounded like 'row.' He told ESPN: 'I'm like, that's exactly what the Vikings did. They rowed into battle.'
Frøystad took the plan to Torstein Hamran, a leading member of the Norwegian supporters' club Oljeberget, who loved it. After testing it in March, they posted instructional videos on social media before Norway's final friendly against Sweden. Frøystad's Instagram video from that game has garnered over 38 million views and nearly 3 million likes.
Criticism and Controversy
Not everyone is impressed. Some note the Vikings' reputation for looting and brutality. Janne Stigen Drangsholt, an Aftenposten columnist, criticized an unhealthy 'masculinity aesthetic' and 'toxic, rather laddish vibe.' Another commentator, Hans Petter Sjøli, told NRK it was 'a little too loud and Disney-like for us Norwegians.'
Others have expressed concern about the use of Norse imagery, which in Scandinavia is associated with far-right, nationalist, and neo-Nazi groups. Sweden's defender Gustaf Lagerbielke said: 'We just sigh when we see it. But maybe we're sighing more at the TV crews that zoom in on it every time. But whatever floats your boat.'
Historical Inaccuracies and National Pride
Swedish historians have highlighted a historical inaccuracy: it was eastern Vikings, mainly from modern-day Sweden, who were famous for river and coastal rowing, while western Vikings, from Norway, were the great transatlantic sailors. Thus, Stockholm pundits argue that Norwegians are celebrating by imitating Swedish Vikings.
Despite the criticism, the chant has won over many Norwegians, who have posted countless videos of themselves rowing. Norwegian tourism bosses hail the attention as priceless. MP Mímir Kristjánsson dismissed the criticism as 'absurd,' insisting 'Nazis don't own Thor, Odin or Valhalla' and that 'Norway must bring its own culture' to the World Cup.
The speaker of Norway's parliament, Masud Gharahkhani, who organized a mass parliamentary row, said it was 'for love and to show our support for the team, which we are really proud of … we're a country of 5.6 million people. This is huge.'
