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The folks of Norway have every reason to celebrate for now because Norway’s Erling Haaland from the world of football worked his magic to secure a place in the round of 16. While those watching from 1 July 2026 1 AM MYT would have known that the scoreline meant Norway had won over Ivory Coast, what’s more impressive, fun and even dramatic was the “Viking Row”, performed after the match, acknowledging a well-deserved win. So, while everyone is still probably celebrating the splendid win, I’m sitting over here, more excited about their display of vibrant culture.

Do note that Malaysians have to go a looooong way to visit Norway, so this World Cup is a good opportunity for you to learn about its culture, especially because it’s new and lighthearted in nature.

Erling Haaland’s birthday is on the 21st of July, so perhaps, if he helps to edge Brazil when they meet next on the 6th of July 2026 at 4AM MYT, it will be a well-earned double celebration.

So, how did the “Viking Row” come about?

Well, first, there’s Ole Frøystad you’ve to thank. Frøystad, an elementary school teacher, walked into a bar in a suburb of Oslo. With Frøystad was a list of up to 15 chants that he had spent weeks creating, each one meant to ensure the world would have memory of how Norway would be playing at their inaugural World Cup since 1998.

The “Viking Row” was one of those chants, which Frøystad was eager to share with a museum coordinator, also one of the leaders of a certain support group containing Norwegians.

The chant consists of two parts – two hits of a drum, following a rowing motion and a cry of ‘row’!

Frøystad piloted the move, though it turned out so-so because some people thought it was silly. Frøystad had some fine-tuning to do, after which, he went on social media to let fans learn the steps of rowing, using proper rowing form.

So, before the World Cup started, that instructional video had more than 30 milion views, making it quite a solid reason for it to have an exceptional response when brought to the World Cup.   

So, you can see how culture, helped in part by the creative use of social media, influences a major event like the World Cup. What’s initially meant for the fans has also spilled over to the players, as well as even the Members of Parliament who have been nothing short of supportive of their players.

The “Viking Row” has also been performed outside a World Cup setting, during a yoga event in the US.

No regrets in soldiering on to watch, even if it’s at an ungodly hour, especially when it felt like this match was going nowhere in the first thirty minutes. Fortunately, there was a slight change, just before half-time, making it worthy to continue watching (The other goal was scored by Antonio Nusa, making it a sure win).

But then, the second-half was filled with God knows what, it felt like it’s best to switch off the TV and catch some sleep instead. Somehow, Haaland proved you and I and the world wrong. He scored a goal at the 80-something minute of the game. By this point, I knew one thing for certain – nope, there’s no way it’s the end of the road for Norway just yet.

Once again, viewers like you and me have structured cultural entertainment because there’s nothing quite like the “Viking Row”, an improvement of the Thunder Clap done by those in Iceland, formerly under Norwegian rule. If you think about it, it’s a combination of fun, drama, ease, difficulty and culture, especially when done in celebration of a striking football match.

Will we see yet another wonderful display of the “Viking Row” after they take on Brazil in the Round of 16?  

Haaland has become sort of like an icon for the Vikings across the globe.

Haaland is set to make his voice-acting debut in ViQueens, an animated version of the Vikings, in which he will play a Viking, his alter-ego also named after Haaland. The film is slated for release on Christmas Day 2026.

Erling Haaland was born to a former footballer and a former track and field athlete and heptathlon.

Based on past meetings where Brazil was involved, Norway has never lost. Of course, Haaland, fortunately, has been humble throughout, if you’ve watched his interviews. So, hopefully, that trait will work to his advantage while on the pitch (and even off the pitch).

Then again, all will only become clear on the 6th  of July 2026, 4AM MYT, when it will then be decided who is (more) worthy of a spot in the quarterfinals.