Norway has secured its place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal on Monday night. The win was immediately followed by a unique and widely shared celebration dubbed the “Viking row,” which captivated fans and players alike on the MetLife Stadium pitch.

Star striker Erling Haaland was instrumental in the triumph, netting two crucial goals, with Marcus Holmgren Pedersen adding another to seal Norway’s progression. The post-match scenes, however, garnered significant attention as every member of the Norwegian travelling party, including head coach Stale Solbakken, participated in the distinctive routine.

The ‘Viking row’ celebration sweeps MetLife Stadium

The “Viking row” involved the entire Norwegian squad miming being in a rowboat, with captain Martin Odegaard leading the rhythm by banging a mallet twice on a drum. The celebration has quickly become one of the standout moments of the tournament and has drawn comparisons to Iceland’s iconic “Viking Clap” from Euro 2016.

According to SPORTbible, hundreds of Norwegian supporters gathered in Times Square before the match to perform the routine themselves, chanting “Ro!” after each beat as the celebration continued to gain traction online.

Read also: FIFA watchdogs face fresh questions over who pays them

Speaking after Norway’s victory over Senegal, Haaland revealed that the players only decided to join in if they secured the win.

“I saw it online; it’s gone completely viral,” Haaland said, as quoted by SPORTbible. “Martin [Ødegaard] asked me before the game: ‘Do you think we should join in?’ I said, ‘If we win, let’s do it, why not?'”

Haaland’s scoring form continues ahead of France clash

Away from the celebrations, Haaland once again underlined his importance to Norway with a brace against Senegal. The goals took his tally for the tournament to four, leaving him level with Kylian Mbappe in the scoring charts and just one behind leader Lionel Messi.

Haaland, who made his senior Norway debut in 2019, said he continues to relish representing his country on the international stage.

Read also: Cristiano Ronaldo's "angry texts" over Lineker's Messi backing, Ferdinand reveals

“I’m enjoying it a lot. I’ve been enjoying playing for Norway ever since my debut,” he said, according to SPORTbible.

Norway’s final group-stage match comes against France on June 26, though Haaland appeared relaxed about the prospect given his side has already secured qualification for the knockout rounds.

“I couldn’t care too much about that game now. We’re through. We’re through. They’re probably going to win against us, they’re probably going to win the whole tournament,” Haaland said, as reported by SPORTbible.

While the “Viking row” celebration has become a fan favourite, Norway head coach Stale Solbakken suggested it is unlikely to remain part of the team’s identity beyond this summer’s World Cup.

Read also: Serena Williams set for Wimbledon singles comeback

“This can be a gimmick during the tournament,” Solbakken said, according to SPORTbible, acknowledging the celebration’s popularity while indicating it may only be a temporary tradition.

Read also: Messi makes World Cup history amid penalty woe and VAR debate