Norway’s Viking Row celebration has become iconic during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Multiple Norwegian players have led the Viking Row after their nation won games during different stages of the World Cup. Erling Haaland was the latest when Norway defeated Brazil in the Round of 16.
Evidently, Norwegian fans engage in the celebration as well. In fact, fans have made it viral by performing the Viking Row outside the stadium as well.
One Norwegian fan explains why the Viking Row celebration is ‘stupid’
While the Viking Row celebration unites Norwegian fans, that’s not the case for Emil Lappen. In fact, during a recent interview with Sky News, Lappen called it ‘stupid.’
“I just find it really stupid. That’s the thing I thought when they came up with it: that it was stupid and annoying. And I didn’t want to do it,” Lappen said.
He added, “It’s factually wrong. They said they were gonna row across the Atlantic, and that’s why I’ve been so annoyed about it. The Vikings rowed up rivers and things like that, but across the Atlantic they sailed.”
Lappen also called it a poor imitation of Iceland’s popular “Viking Thunder Clap” celebration, but the main reason remains the historical inaccuracy depicted by it.
Norway is all set to take on England during the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup. Will Lappen change his stance on the Viking Row celebrations? Fans will find out soon.
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