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Norwegian parliamentarians have performed the viral “Viking row” inside the chamber on Thursday to support the national football team at the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament.
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All the parliamentarians rowed at the same time, and they did so thanks to the speaker of the parliament, Masud Gharahkhani, who dictated the rowing rhythm with his gavel.
With this performance, the politicians briefly became a part of the spectacle as they applauded themselves afterwards.
Norway scored a 4-1 victory over Iraq in their opening game in Group I on Tuesday and will next take on Senegal.
The synchronised rowing motion, inspired by rowers on Viking longships, has become one of the tournament’s viral fan traditions. Its popularity grew after Norwegian supporters were filmed performing the row in public spaces across the US, including on city streets, in fan zones and even while riding up an escalator.
The parliament’s participation only highlighted how the craze has spread beyond the stadiums, reflecting Norway’s wider embrace of Viking imagery as a symbol of national pride, unity and support for the team.
The Norwegian soccer team has already posed as Vikings before departing for the 2026 World Cup, marking the country’s first appearance in the men’s tournament since 1998.
Rather than marking its departure with the customary team photo on aeroplane steps, Norway’s squad took part in a photoshoot by British photographer David Yarrow, titled “The Vikings Are Coming.”
