Norway Makes World Cup History After 28 Years. And on the Streets, a Great 'Rowing' Craze

Norwegian media are writing about a football frenzy the country hasn’t seen in years. VG highlights that after beating Brazil, Norway reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in history, with Erling Braut Haaland and goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland becoming the heroes of the match. Haaland scored twice, while Nyland made several crucial saves that helped secure the result until the final whistle.

For Norwegians, qualifying for the World Cup was a huge event in itself. The last time the men’s national team played at the World Cup was in 1998 in France. That tournament is still remembered mainly for the famous 2-1 victory over Brazil in Marseille. Now, history has come full circle—Norway has beaten Brazil 2-1 again, this time in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.

In the group stage, Norway was drawn into Group I with France, Senegal, and Iraq. They started strong—with a 4-1 win over Iraq, then beat Senegal 3-2, and finally lost to France 1-4. Six points were enough to advance from the group in second place.

Then came the matches that Norwegian media are already calling historic. In the round of 32, Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1. In the round of 16, they faced Brazil—a symbolic, great, and very tough opponent. Norway won again 2-1, with Haaland scoring both goals.

Although the eyes of the world are mainly on Erling Braut Haaland, Norwegian commentators emphasize that the team’s success is not based on just one star. Captain Martin Ødegaard plays a crucial role in midfield, and young players like Antonio Nusa and Andreas Schjelderup are also making an impact.

After the win over Brazil, a lot of attention was also given to Ørjan Nyland. The Norwegian goalkeeper made several key saves, and his performance was one of the reasons the five-time world champions couldn’t turn the match around.

Norway, which for years watched major tournaments from the sidelines, is now one of the loudest teams at the World Cup. And not just because of their results.

One of the biggest symbols of Norway’s World Cup campaign has become... rowing. Fans, dressed in national colors, mimic rowing movements as if they were paddling a Viking ship together. The chant 'Ro!'—which means 'Row!' in Norwegian—can be heard in stadiums, on streets, and in public squares.

After the match against Senegal, the players joined in the fun. Martin Ødegaard led the rhythm, and the players, together with the fans, performed the characteristic rowing gesture on the pitch. Videos quickly went viral on social media and became one of the most recognizable images of the World Cup.

Norwegian and international media report that the 'rowing' craze has spread beyond stadiums. Fans have been seen doing it on Times Square in New York, in the subway, on the streets, in hospitals, and even in the Norwegian parliament. In Oslo, fan events were organized where hundreds and thousands of people rowed together, showing that the national team has become more than just a football team.

For many Norwegians, it’s a new ritual of community. Part joke, part cheer, part national fun—but above all, a sign that after years of waiting, the country is once again living and breathing top-level football.

Now Norway faces another big test. In the World Cup quarterfinals, they will play England. The match will take place on Saturday, July 11, at 11:00 p.m. Norwegian and Polish time. The game will be played in Miami.

England has also had a challenging path. In the group stage, they beat Croatia 4-2, drew 0-0 with Ghana, and won 2-0 against Panama. In the knockout stage, they first defeated DR Congo 2-1 and then Mexico 3-2.

If Norway beats England, they will face the winner of the Argentina vs. Switzerland match in the semifinals. That means Solbakken’s team is just one step away from the medal zone.

No matter how this tournament ends, one thing is certain: Norway has returned to the world football stage in style. After 28 years of waiting, fans have a team that not only wins but also inspires the whole country. And if you still don’t know the World Cup 'Ro!', it might be worth practicing—before the quarterfinal against England, the oars will be in motion again.