Hundreds of Norwegian football fans gathered in Times Square on Sunday to perform the viral "Viking row" celebration [1], [4].
The demonstration highlights the growing international presence of the Norwegian supporters, known as the Vikings, as their team competes in the World Cup. This display of solidarity aims to maintain emotional momentum for the players during the tournament's group stages.
The gathering took place on June 21, 2026 [3], the night before Norway's scheduled group match against Senegal [2]. Supporters used the occasion to celebrate a strong start to the tournament, specifically a 4-1 victory over Iraq in their opening match [1].
Following that initial win, Norway currently sits at the top of Group I [1]. The fans in New York sought to replicate the energy of the stadium in the heart of the U.S. city to encourage their team ahead of the Senegal fixture [2].
While some reports mentioned different locations, the primary gathering of hundreds of fans occurred in Times Square [1], [2]. The "Viking row" involves fans chanting and moving in unison, a signature move that has gained global attention during the current tournament [2].
This event is part of a larger trend of supporters traveling across North America to follow their national teams during the competition. The visibility of the Norwegian fans in New York serves as a public endorsement of the team's current form and their aspirations for the knockout rounds.
“Hundreds of Norwegian football fans gathered in Times Square”
The mobilization of fans in high-visibility areas like Times Square indicates a strategic effort by supporters to create a 'home game' atmosphere abroad. By leveraging viral trends like the Viking row, Norway is building a distinct brand identity during the tournament, which can serve as a psychological boost for the squad as they face tougher opponents in Group I.
