Norwegian parliament rows like Vikings to celebrate first World Cup win in 28 years

A dream debut

Norway marked its return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence with a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq. Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, scored twice on his World Cup debut, a performance he described as what the nation had dreamed of. The win has sent the country of fewer than six million into football delirium, with fans and politicians alike embracing a ritual that has become the symbol of this campaign.

From the stands to the escalators

The Viking row is simple: supporters line up and move their arms back and forth in unison, mimicking the oars of a Viking longship, while chanting rhythmic songs. The gesture first drew international attention on escalators in Boston before Norway’s opening match, then moved to the stands at the stadium. Since then it has appeared in pubs, fan zones and streets, turning any gathering into a makeshift drakkar.

Parliament rows along

On Thursday, the enthusiasm crossed into institutional life. During a session of the Storting, Norway’s unicameral parliament, speaker Masud Gharahkhani proposed a symbolic celebration and led deputies in the Viking row. Members from both the governing parties and the opposition joined in, and the video went viral within minutes.

“We dreamed of a debut like this – now we must keep going. I had never seen my country at a World Cup, so I hope Norwegian children will remember this experience forever.”

What’s next

Norway’s group stage continues with two more fixtures. A meeting with Senegal is scheduled for Tuesday 23 June at 02:00 CET, followed by a clash with France on Friday 26 June at 21:00 CET. Both matches will determine whether the fairy-tale return can carry the team into the knockout rounds.