Norway's soccer chant, explained: The history behind 'Ro! Ro!' bringing viking energy to World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Each edition of the World Cup gives an inside look at the many cultures from around the world. One of those in the 2026 tournament is Norway.
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During a friendly held just before this summer's World Cup, many Norwegian fans took part in a massive rowing chant that spanned down an entire side of Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway. The chant has since gone viral and will almost certainly be seen at the World Cup.
In case the chant is not yet familiar, here's the rundown on Norway's rattling chant that was heard during the team's 2026 World Cup matches.
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Norway soccer chant video
On June 16, soccer fans got to watch Norway make its first World Cup since 1998. This year's tournament gave viewers a look at Norway's rowing chant that has since made the rounds on social media.
Here is the chant in action during Norway's opening match against Iraq on Tuesday:
🇳🇴 Norway fans completely taking over the stadium against Iraq! 🥁🚣 pic.twitter.com/3Wyr6t3cU7
— Ultras Clips (@ultras_clips) June 16, 2026
During a June 2 friendly against rival Sweden in Oslo, Norway, the home crowd partook in a massive "Hu!" chant in which fans emulated rowing. The chant spanned an entire side of the stadium, and the sea of red-jerseyed fans participating was quite the sight to see.
Here is a video of the chant:
Norway fans doing a synchronised row! 🇳🇴🚣♂️ pic.twitter.com/8H9sEYLKfH
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 2, 2026
In Boston, Norwegian fans got some reps in on the escalators in front of TD Garden.
You see an escalator at the Boston Garden, Norwegians see the opportunity to get in some rowing reps pic.twitter.com/LxusqEhQPv
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 16, 2026
"If it is even slightly as effective as the Icelandic cheer in euros, they will be the dark horses in this World Cup," one viewer said. "Especially with Haaland and Odegaard."
Here are a few other reactions to the chant:
Wow this is beautiful 😍 I like the harmonious movement
— Mazi Udo (@UdoNwakpuru) June 2, 2026
Vikings are here.
— THEY KNOW THE DIFFERENCE (@ndlovu_sab62552) June 3, 2026
pure vibes watching this
— Siri | AI x Prediction arc (@SiriOnchainX) June 2, 2026
History behind Norway’s rowing chant
Norway's chant emulates people rowing a boat. It has drawn similarities to a people rowing a Viking ship, a culture to which Norway is strongly connected.
These Viking longships, which included many people rowing, began getting used at the tail end of the 8th century. These vessels included anywhere from six to 16 rowing benches and were between 55 and 75 feet long, according to Warfare History Network.
It is unclear how long the chant has been a part of Norwegian soccer, mainly due to Norway not qualifying for many major global soccer tournaments. This year, however, Erling Haaland has led his entourage of Vikings to their first World Cup since 1998.
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Norway Vikings team photo
Ahead of this summer's World Cup, the Norwegian team picture showcased a Viking theme on a beach. The team was equipped with shields, swords, bows and arrows, a horn, and traditional Viking clothing.
Here is that photo that is capable of sending a chill down a viewer's spine.
Premier League stars Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard being next to each other in the viral Norway National Team picture is AWESOME! 🇳🇴🔥
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) June 5, 2026
📸 @NFF_landslag/David Yarrow pic.twitter.com/jQ8cNmxQw3