Viral 'Viking Fever' Grips New Delhi as Norway’s Ambassador May-Elin Stener Celebrates Historic FIFA World Cup 2026 Run (Watch Video)

The infectious 'Viking Row' celebration, a hallmark of Norway's electrifying FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, has officially docked in India. May-Elin Stener, Norway's Ambassador to India, enthusiastically led the viral chant at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi on Thursday, July 9, 2026, uniting embassy staff and local football fans in a spirited display of support for the national team. Erling Haaland Reacts To Long Penalty Delay That Disrupted Kylian Mbappe's Penalty in France vs Morocco FIFA World Cup 2026 QF.

Norway Ambassador on 'Viking Row'

Norway's journey to the quarter-finals marks their deepest run ever in a FIFA World Cup, a historic achievement that has gripped the Scandinavian nation and garnered global attention. The celebration in New Delhi comes just days before Norway faces a formidable challenge against England in the quarter-finals.

Historic Upset Against Brazil

The 'Viking Row' frenzy reached new heights after Norway's sensational 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 16. The crucial match, held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey, saw star striker Erling Haaland net both goals for Norway, stunning the footballing world. Brazil's only goal came from a late Neymar penalty. This monumental win propelled Norway into uncharted territory, ending a 28-year absence from the World Cup knockout stages and securing their first-ever quarter-final berth.

Ambassador Stener, speaking after the embassy's celebration, expressed the nation's excitement. "Very happy that Norway is in the quarter-final. This is the first time we are in the quarter-final, so that's very exciting for the whole of Norway," she stated, also acknowledging the challenges of following the matches due to time differences.

The Viral 'Viking Row'

The 'Viking Row' is a choreographed celebration where supporters mimic rowing a Viking longboat to a rhythmic drumbeat, often concluding with a powerful chant of "Ro!" (Norwegian for "row"). Conceived in December 2025 by Ole Froystad, dubbed "Mr. Row Row," the chant was quickly adopted by Norway's official supporters' group and has since become a global phenomenon, with players like Erling Haaland and captain Martin Ødegaard joining in after victories. The celebration has been witnessed everywhere from stadium stands to Times Square and even the Norwegian Parliament. Erling Haaland Cheekily Reminds Wayne Rooney of ‘Rowing’ Promise After Norway Eliminate Brazil From FIFA World Cup 2026.

Quarter-Final Showdown: Norway vs. England

Norway now prepares for their biggest match of the tournament against England in the quarter-finals. The highly anticipated clash is scheduled for:

England holds a historical advantage in head-to-head encounters against Norway, with 7 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws in 12 meetings. This quarter-final match will be the first time the two nations have met in a major tournament. Norway's current form, spearheaded by the prolific Erling Haaland who leads the Golden Boot race with seven goals, presents a significantly different challenge.

Norway's remarkable run has elevated their FIFA Men's World Ranking to 21st, reflecting their best stretch of form in nearly three decades. As the 'Viking Row' continues to resonate worldwide, the Norwegian team hopes to extend their historic journey even further, aiming for a semi-final berth against either Argentina or Switzerland.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2026 11:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).