Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard and Norway players join 'Viking Row' celebration after reaching last 32 of the World Cup - 'It was crazy'

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One of the joys of the World Cup is the array of celebrations fans bring to the tournament from across the globe, and Norway at this year's edition in North America have provided their 'Viking Row'.

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The chant sees the Norwegian fans sit down in a formation similar to a Viking longboat and perform rows to the beat of a drum, in a style akin to the famous 'Viking Clap' introduced by Iceland fans at Euro 2016.

The 'Viking Row' has been seen around the US already, with Norway fans performing it at both their World Cup games, as well as in Boston and New York - including going viral after taking over Times Square with it.

And it was on display after Norway's 3-2 victory over Senegal on Monday, with players - including Erling Haaland - and manager Stale Solbakken joining in.

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Haaland and his Norway team-mates sat on the field at New York New Jersey Stadium, and joined their fans in the 'Viking Row,' this time led by captain Martin Odegaard, who was on the drum.

"It was crazy," Manchester City striker Haaland said afterwards.

"Martin and I talked a bit about it before the match, about whether we should join in if everything went the way it did, and it did, so a ⁠pretty special moment I would say for the whole of Norway."

Solbakken was a touch more reserved about the chant, saying he has noticed it before at games, but tries not to pay attention to it too much.

"It's fun for the fans," Solbakken told reporters. "We will not be rowing after the World Cup, but this can be a gimmick during the tournament."

Haaland scored twice in Monday's victory over Senegal, taking his goal tally at the tournament to four, just one behind Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.

The 25-year-old described the experience at the MetLife Stadium as one of the "biggest nights I have had in my entire life".

"I have a bit of the same feeling that I had ⁠after the Champions League final [win with Manchester City in 2023]," he said. "It is incredibly huge. I am incredibly proud and all of that.

"I want to achieve things with Norway. I want to qualify for the World Cup, the Euros, and ⁠everything there is. Again, it comes back to showing that it is possible, no matter where you come from. The World Cup is without a doubt the biggest stage. It is huge. Completely fantastic."

Norway will finish their group stage with a heavyweight clash against France, also unbeaten in their first two games after their victory over Iraq on Monday.

Haaland: France will 'probably' win World Cup

The winner of Friday's match in Foxborough will decide who finishes top of Group I, with second place already guaranteed for the loser.

If it's a draw then France will top the group as they have a superior goal difference.

Haaland did not seem to be too excited about the prospect of facing France - and a clash against fellow Golden Boot contender, Kylian Mbappe, who scored two goals in a weather-interrupted 3-0 win over Irag on Monday night.

"I couldn't care too much about that game now," said Haaland. "We're through. We're through. They're probably going to win against us, they're probably going to win the whole tournament."

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