FIFA World Cup. Norway’s Erling Haaland joins fans in ‘viral’ Viking Row, sends stadium into chaos – Watch |: Football News:

Norway players perform a rowing ritual during the World Cup Group I football match between Norway and Senegal in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo)

Norway booked their place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating Senegal 3-2 in New Jersey on Monday. After the victory, the players joined the supporters in making the traditional “Viking Row” celebration, led by captain Martin Ødegaard.Viking Row has become a popular tradition among Norwegian fans during the tournament. Supporters sat in a shape resembling a Viking longboat and imitated rowing movements to the beat of a drum, drawing comparisons to Iceland’s famous “Viking Clap” from Euro 2016.Norway supporters performed the song during their World Cup matches and throughout the host cities of Boston and New York City. After Monday’s win, the players and coaching staff joined in the celebration with the fans.Match-winner Erling Haaland said he was looking forward to taking part in the ritual if Norway secured victory.“I saw it online; it went completely viral,” Haaland told Fox Sports. “Martin [Ødegaard] I asked before the game. ‘Do you think we should join?’ I said, ‘if we win, we’ll do it, why not?'”After the final whistle, Haaland, his teammates and coach Ståle Solbakken went to the Norwegian supporters, sat in formation and joined the celebration on Viking Row.Haaland scored twice in the match, taking his tournament tally to four goals. He remains in contention for the Golden Boot alongside players such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane.Captain Ødegaard set the rhythm during the celebration by beating a drum as the players and supporters mingled in the scenes after the match.Viking Row symbolizes unity, strength and teamwork. Inspired by the image of Vikings rowing together before the war, supporters united in the gesture to show support for the national team.On the field, Norway took the lead in the 43rd minute through Marcus Holmgren Pedersen. Haaland then added goals in the 48th and 58th minutes to put Norway in command and help secure qualification for the knockout rounds.The result guarantees Norway at least second place in Group I. Their final group game against the France national football team in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Friday will decide who will finish on top of the group.