Norway’s success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked euphoria at home, but the team’s signature ‘Viking Row’ celebration is beginning to test the patience of their Scandinavian neighbors, drawing shrugs from Sweden and envy from Denmark.
The ‘Viking Row’ celebration has become a phenomenon at the World Cup, with captain Martin Odegaard even leading the players, coaching staff and supporters in a synchronized performance after the final whistle in their 3-2 win over Senegal, with Norwegian fans later trying to persuade the King of Norway to join in during the subsequent festivities.
For Swedes, however, the celebration next door is more of a nuisance than a novelty, with some saying the rowing simulation is too reminiscent of the ‘thunderclap’ made famous by Icelandic fans at previous tournaments.
«I’m never going to do it. We just sigh. Maybe especially with the TV crew who choose to zoom in on it every time,» Swedish defender Gustaf Lagerbielke told reporters at a news conference on Tuesday. «After all, it looks a lot like the Icelandic volcano. But whatever floats your boat.»
Other members of the Swedish team were also disappointed.
«It’s probably starting to get a little overused. It feels like they’re running it every time they get the chance. But at the end of the day, it’s working well for them,» teammate Elliot Stroud added.
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But while the Swedes can remain focused on their own camp, Denmark, who were absent from the tournament after a qualifying play-off defeat to the Czech Republic, have found the Norwegian euphoria much harder to stomach.
«It borders on bullying by adults in Northern Europe. The Norwegians are currently having the party of their lives. And what’s more, in the company of a national team that can actually play football,» wrote Danish journalist Johnny Wojciech Kokborg in the tabloid. BT.
«The fact is – unfortunately – that the Norwegians could end up hurting many teams. But above all, it hurts us, Danes, if we admit that we are no longer the best in the Nordic region.»
He added: «It’s just unbearable. You’re making fun of us, Norway.»
Published on June 24, 2026
