After the 2-1 victory over Brazil to win a ticket to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, the Norwegian players and coaching staff simultaneously sat down on the field, performing a Viking rowing rhythm.
Everyone sat close together, simultaneously putting both hands forward and then pulling strongly back as a rowing movement, harmonizing with the sound of drums and shouting "Ro! Ro!", a word meaning "Cheo! Cheo!" in Norwegian. Unique celebration images quickly spread around the world.
The inspiration for Viking rowing comes from long boats, a famous symbol of Vikings.
During the Viking era (c. 793-1066), Northern Europeans, mainly from regions now Norway, Sweden and Denmark, used these boats to cross the sea, expand their scope of operation and explore new lands.
According to historical documents, each long boat usually has 6 to 16 rows of paddle seats, about 17 to more than 22m long. To make the boat move effectively, sailors must maintain a balanced paddle rhythm and close coordination.
Although inspired by Viking history, Viking Row is not a ritual passed down from ancient Northern Europe. The idea is believed to have been initiated by Ole Froystad, a primary school teacher and active member of the Norwegian national team fan association.
Viking Row was first introduced by Froystad in a friendly match of the Norwegian national team in 2025 and quickly received a response from fans.
From the stadium stands, Viking Row quickly spread to many public spaces such as squares, train stations, trams in Norway, even appearing at Times Square in New York (USA).
Norwegian MPs also performed cheo dances together right in the Parliament building to cheer for the team.
Not only adding spirit to the players, Viking Row has also become a way for Norwegians to introduce history and national identity to international friends.
