Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Norway World Cup chant fever is building before the FIFA World Cup 2026 after supporters went viral for a powerful rowing-style celebration during a friendly against Sweden.
The chant was seen at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo on June 2, where Norwegian fans moved in rhythm and shouted “Hu!” across one side of the ground during the warm-up match.
The fan moment comes as World Cup attention grows after Belgium vs Egypt World Cup Draw: Lukaku Strike Denies Historic Win for Egypt, with supporter culture becoming part of the tournament story. Fans can follow official tournament updates through the FIFA website.
Norway Fans Create Viral Stadium Scene
The chant saw a sea of red-shirted Norway supporters mimic a rowing motion, creating one of the most striking fan images of the pre-tournament period.
Its timing makes it likely to be heard during Norway’s World Cup matches, especially with the national team back on the global stage for the first time since 1998.
One viewer compared its possible impact to Iceland’s famous tournament cheer.
"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."
Viking Roots Add Meaning to Chant
The chant appears to draw on Norway’s connection to Viking culture, with supporters moving as if rowing a longship.
Viking longships were used from the late eighth century and carried groups of rowers across long, narrow vessels.
The exact history of the chant in Norwegian football is unclear, partly because Norway have not reached many major global tournaments in recent decades.
This year, Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard give Norway a stronger spotlight, and the rowing chant could become one of the tournament’s most recognisable crowd sounds.