Wayne Rooney has pledged to perform the Viking Row in the River Mersey if Norway defeats Brazil in the World Cup round of 16, advancing to a potential quarter-final against England. The promise came during a BBC Sport broadcast, where presenter Gabby Logan jokingly noted Rooney's rehearsals of the celebration.
Rooney's Wager and Norway's Progress
Erling Haaland scored a late winner as Norway edged past Ivory Coast 2-1 in Dallas. Antonio Nusa opened the scoring just before half-time, but Manchester United's Amad equalized with a superb solo goal. Haaland's strike was his 60th for Norway, making him the fastest international player to reach that milestone. Norway now faces Brazil on July 5 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The Viking Row Celebration
The Viking Row has become a breakout sensation of the World Cup, similar to Iceland's clap at Euro 2016. The ritual begins with an ancient Norse horn, followed by fans lowering to the floor in a longboat formation. A leader beats a drum, starting slowly and accelerating, as participants row their arms in unison chanting "row." Norway captain Martin Odegaard led the celebration after the Ivory Coast win, and golfer Viktor Hovland performed it after his PGA Tour victory.
Rooney, a BBC pundit since leaving Birmingham City in 2024, said: "If Norway get to the quarter-finals, I will go in the River Mersey and I'll row down it." Logan responded: "You heard that here first! It's not exactly presenting Match of the Day in your underpants, but I think it's a fairly good thing to commit to. I'm pretty sure we'll hold you to that as well."
Historical Context and Stakes
Rooney's pledge echoes Gary Lineker's 2016 promise to host Match of the Day in boxer shorts after Leicester City's Premier League title win. Norway, ranked 31st by FIFA, are heavy underdogs against Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti. Rooney may take comfort that his wager is for summer, avoiding the Mersey's bitter winter cold. The match kicks off at 8pm on July 5, with the winner facing either England or their opponent in the quarter-finals.
