Martin Ødegaard led the Norwegian squad in a Viking row chant after their win over Côte d’Ivoire on 3 July, advancing to the last 16 at the 2026 World Cup. The team's best World Cup run since 1998 sparked jubilant celebrations.
What is the Viking row?
The Viking row is a synchronised rowing chant that accompanies the Norwegian football team’s appearances, starting with the blowing of a Viking horn and involving an imaginary oar motion while chanting *“Ro”* (Norwegian for “row”).
The idea was conceived by Ole Frøystad, a primary school teacher, who remembered the rhythmic “RO-SEN-BORG” chant and thought *“Ro”* sounded like *“row”*. He took the plan to Torstein Hamran, a leading member of the Norwegian supporters’ club Oljeberget, who loved it.
Why it matters for Martin Ødegaard
Martin Ødegaard, the captain, led the squad row with a drum grabbed from the stands, saying it makes him realise *“you aren’t just 11 guys on the pitch – you’re a whole crew”*. The Viking row has become a viral phenomenon, with thousands of fans participating in the stadiums and online.
The action has been massively promoted on social media, with Frøystad's video garnering over 38m views and almost 3m likes. The Norwegian football team began adopting Viking imagery in 2023, with players sporting shirts with their names in runic script.
What comes next?
As Norway advances to the last 16, the Viking row is expected to continue, bringing the team and fans together in a unique display of unity and energy. With the team's official team photo showing them in leather and furs, holding shields and swords, the Viking theme is set to remain a key part of their identity.
The Viking row has also been recognised by seismologists, who recorded an earthquake when the hordes of jubilant supporters rowed en masse in Oslo and Bergen. Erling Haaland, Norway's star striker, posted a clip of the squad rowing, saying *“This is bigger than football”*.
The Norwegian fans' Viking row has made waves at the 2026 World Cup, with the team's success on the pitch matched by the energy and enthusiasm of their supporters. As the team looks to the next round, the Viking row is set to remain an integral part of their journey.
On 3 July, the Norwegian team celebrated their win with the Viking row, advancing to the last 16 at the 2026 World Cup. The team's success has sparked jubilant celebrations, with the Viking row at the heart of the festivities.