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It is impossible to talk about Norway’s reappearance without mentioning the spearhead of their attack, Erling Haaland. After sweeping the UEFA qualification phase with an impressive 16 goals, the Manchester City striker carried his national team to the world’s biggest stage.
Haaland has already scored seven goals in just four matches at the tournament, as he dominated Group I by scoring braces against both Iraq and Senegal.
However, his knockout stage performances were no less astonishing. He scored against Ivory Coast in the 86th minute, then found the net again against Brazil in the 79th minute before adding another killer goal in the 90th minute to destroy the Seleção’s World Cup dreams and seal a historic 2-1 victory.
During the period between 1998 and 2026, Norway’s men’s national team failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. What made this drought particularly painful for the Viking nation was the contrast between the players’ incredible individual success at club level and their collective failure on the international stage.
Beyond the goals and the tactical masterclasses, Norway also captured viewers’ attention and hearts with their unique celebration after every victory.
After every historic win, players like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard lead the entire squad to the edge of the pitch. Alongside thousands of supporters, the players sit next to each other on the grass and begin mimicking the synchronized rowing of an ancient Viking longship.
Driven by the thunderous beat of two synchronized stadium drums, the crowd and players lean back and pull forward in perfect unison, roaring “RO!” in rhythm.
This celebration is a deeply intentional tribute to their national heritage and unity. The ritual has become a massive viral trend on social media, with everyone from Crown Prince Haakon of Norway to members of the national army filming themselves performing the rowing celebration to support the team. It has become the ultimate symbol of unity, showing that both players and supporters are working together as one team.
