Sports
Viral World Cup Trend Explained
Every now and then, a fan trend from the World Cup or European Championship goes viral, spreading further than the stadiums it started in, and Norway’s “Viking Row” is one of the best recent examples.
It’s the sort of celebration that sums up exactly why major tournaments tend to produce these moments in the first place; simple enough for anyone to join in with, yet tied closely enough to a country’s identity that it ends up meaning far more than the average football song.
Performed by the country’s supporters, it made its way onto escalators, into city squares, and even inside Norway’s own parliament during the 2026 World Cup, turning a routine match day tradition into a repetitively viral moment.
What is the ‘Viking Row’ in Soccer?
The Viking Row is a synchronised chant and movement performed by groups of fans, designed to mimic the action of rowing a longship.
It starts with supporters sitting down together, before building into a rhythmic chant of the word “ro,” which simply translates to “row.”
As the chant builds, fans begin moving their arms back and forth in unison, exactly as if they were pulling on oars.
The motion gradually speeds up, before the whole group rises together at the climax, arms thrown up, roaring in celebration. It can take fans a little while to get fully in sync, but once it clicks, it’s an incredible sight.
It’s not limited to the stands either. Fans have been known to take the routine outside the stadium, performing it on moving escalators, in train stations, and on city streets.
Origin of the ‘Viking Row’ Trend
The tradition is taken from Norway’s seafaring history, with the rowing motion inspired by the longships that once carried Viking warriors and explorers across the seas centuries ago. It ties their support of the national side directly back to a piece of national heritage Norwegians have long taken pride in.
It’s also not the first time a national fanbase has turned a slice of cultural history into a football chant. Iceland did something similar with their famous “Viking Clap” at Euro 2016. A slow, building clap performed above the head became a viral sensation. Dutch fans also have an equally viral trend. Their simple dance, from left to right to the song Snollebollekes, have seen crowds of more than 25,000 participate in the street. The Viking Row follows a similar idea, giving supporters something simple and easy to join in with.
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It’s a rather unique celebration to say the least.
Reaction to the ‘Viking Row’ at World Cup 2026
The trend went well beyond football stadiums and areas close by. Norwegian politicians even paused proceedings to perform the row inside parliament itself, with the chamber’s speaker setting the rhythm before everyone pulled on their imaginary oars. Clips of the moment spread quickly online, with people amused to see politicians briefly swap debate for a bit of choreography.
Beyond the politicians and the impromptu street performances, the reaction online was just as telling. Clips of the celebration racked up millions of views across social media, with supporters of other countries admitting they wished their own fanbase had something similar. Pundits and former players also weighed in during broadcasts, often praising the tradition as one of the more original pieces of fan culture, rather than just another viral clip that fades within days.
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Links have persisted over a transfer for Julian Alvarez, as well as interest in PSG’s Bradley Barcola, with the pair coming as potentially expensive signings.
Elsewhere, talks are ongoing with Club Brugge over the signing of Christos Tzolis, who could provide squad depth, while Jeremy Monga is expected to join from Leicester City as a promising option for the future.
There are other options on the market, however, that Arsenal are seemingly pushing to sign.
Arsenal Want Crysencio Summerville
According to a report from FootMercato, Arsenal have entered the race to sign Crysencio Summerville, with interest seemingly building in the West Ham winger.
The Dutch international star, who is currently playing in the World Cup for his nation, is believed to be available for roughly £50 million, following the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League.
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That is on top of reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain, which could make it tough to land the 24-year-old in the coming weeks of the market.
It means Arsenal could have some catching up to do in their move for the winger, with their rivals already seemingly pushing forward with a transfer.
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Arsenal Need To Move Fast
If Arsenal truly want to get a deal done for Summerville, then sporting director Andrea Berta will need to move fast to get ahead of the club’s rivals in pursuit of the winger.
Interest from the likes of Man United and Tottenham has been known for weeks, with talks already seemingly being held with representatives over what it could take to get a deal over the line.
While Arsenal will surely have some sway as the Premier League champions, the difficulty comes in those pre-existing relationships clubs build with agents.
The Gunners will be starting from a position slightly further back than the others, meaning they need to get a move on to at least draw level in the race.
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The World Cup could buy them some time, with the Netherlands likely to progress through the group stages and extending Summerville’s stay in America.
If he decides to wait until after the tournament to make his move, then Arsenal could have the time required to position themselves well to land him.
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Tottenham continue to push on in the transfer market, as The Athletic reports that another possible reunion could be on the cards for manager Roberto De Zerbi and a former player of his.
The head coach has already reunited with Jan Paul van Hecke, after Spurs agreed a £52 million fee to land the defender from Brighton this summer.
The Netherlands international joins the likes of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson as additions to the backline, with the Lilywhites now well-equipped at the back for next season.
Attention turns elsewhere in the market, as the club push on for deals to sign Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes in the midfield, while interest is there for Savinho and Cody Gakpo.
However, there is also focus being placed on the goalkeeping department, where further changes are expected at Tottenham.
Tottenham Want Jason Steele Transfer
As Tottenham prepare for a shuffle in the goalkeeping ranks, The Athletic reports that the club are interested in Brighton shot-stopper Jason Steele.
The 35-year-old has one-year remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium, and has been playing as the second-choice option to Bart Verbruggen.
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During his time at Brighton, De Zerbi made use of the experienced star plenty, handing him 43 appearances across two separate campaigns.
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Given the fact that Tottenham are facing the possibility of losing Guglielmo Vicario this summer, a move for Steele would help reinforce the options in goal.
That would also provide a mentor for Antonin Kinsky, who could have a chance to stake a claim as the number-one choice between the sticks next season.
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What De Zerbi Has Said About Steele
Steele has earned plenty of plaudits during his time at Brighton, which included some praise from his former manager, De Zerbi, back in late 2023.
“He’s very important on the pitch and off the pitch,” said De Zerbi on Steele’s influence.
“I think he deserved a new contract because he’s playing very well. Last season [he] was one of the secrets to reach the target and this season he is playing very well.
“We are playing well, Jason is playing well. I think he knows very well my idea. Verbruggen is not the same level but is very important for us now and the future. We are Brighton and we have to improve our young players. We have to be more focused in some situations.”
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De Zerbi could now recreate that dynamic with the reunion for Steele, while the club tries to progress with Kinsky as the player for the future.
It remains to be seen whether a deal will get over the line, but it could prove to be a shrewd bit of business from Spurs.
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Roberto De Zerbi Wants Jason Steele At Tottenham
Tottenham continue to push on in the transfer market, as The Athletic reports that another possible reunion could be on the cards for manager Roberto De Zerbi and a former player of his.
The head coach has already reunited with Jan Paul van Hecke, after Spurs agreed a £52 million fee to land the defender from Brighton this summer.
The Netherlands international joins the likes of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson as additions to the backline, with the Lilywhites now well-equipped at the back for next season.
Attention turns elsewhere in the market, as the club push on for deals to sign Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes in the midfield, while interest is there for Savinho and Cody Gakpo.
However, there is also focus being placed on the goalkeeping department, where further changes are expected at Tottenham.
Tottenham Want Jason Steele Transfer
As Tottenham prepare for a shuffle in the goalkeeping ranks, The Athletic reports that the club are interested in Brighton shot-stopper Jason Steele.
The 35-year-old has one-year remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium, and has been playing as the second-choice option to Bart Verbruggen.
The report claims that Steele is a candidate on a shortlist of potential options to play as a back-up goalkeeper for the coming season, having been outlined as a “good option” for the club moving forward.
During his time at Brighton, De Zerbi made use of the experienced star plenty, handing him 43 appearances across two separate campaigns.
In that time, the glovesman kept 11 clean sheets for the Italian head coach across all competitions, and was widely praised for his ability with the ball at his feet.
Given the fact that Tottenham are facing the possibility of losing Guglielmo Vicario this summer, a move for Steele would help reinforce the options in goal.
That would also provide a mentor for Antonin Kinsky, who could have a chance to stake a claim as the number-one choice between the sticks next season.
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What De Zerbi Has Said About Steele
Steele has earned plenty of plaudits during his time at Brighton, which included some praise from his former manager, De Zerbi, back in late 2023.
“He’s very important on the pitch and off the pitch,” said De Zerbi on Steele’s influence.
“I think he deserved a new contract because he’s playing very well. Last season [he] was one of the secrets to reach the target and this season he is playing very well.
“We are playing well, Jason is playing well. I think he knows very well my idea. Verbruggen is not the same level but is very important for us now and the future. We are Brighton and we have to improve our young players. We have to be more focused in some situations.”
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De Zerbi could now recreate that dynamic with the reunion for Steele, while the club tries to progress with Kinsky as the player for the future.
It remains to be seen whether a deal will get over the line, but it could prove to be a shrewd bit of business from Spurs.
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