Odegaard beats the drum leading Norway's team to celebrate the 'Viking Row' as they advance to the World Cup round of 32 for the first time in 28 years.
23 June 2026 GMT+7 – In the 2026 World Cup Group I match at New York's New Jersey Stadium, the Norway national team delivered a strong performance, narrowly defeating Senegal 3-2. This victory marked their second consecutive win, earning 6 points and securing their ticket to the round of 32 knockout stage.
The Norwegian players and coaching staff gathered together, forming a line in front of the fans, with team hero Erling Haaland seated prominently at the front.
Captain Odegaard took charge, beating a bongo drum to signal the team and fans to shout the word "Ro!" (meaning "Row") all at once, while powerfully performing a Viking rowing gesture — the "Viking Row" — in the middle of the field.
Erling Haaland told Fox Sports, "I saw it online; it went viral everywhere. Odegaard asked me before the game, 'Do you think we should join in with them?' I replied, 'If we win, then let's go for it. Why not?'"
. Ståle Solbakken the Norway national team manager, commented on this exciting gimmick,
"It's a lot of fun that the players joined in. We probably won't be rowing a boat for real after the World Cup, but this will definitely become our team's signature gimmick throughout the tournament."