Norway's Viral World Cup Chant Adopted by Minnesota Football

A Norwegian schoolteacher's World Cup chant has just crossed the Atlantic and landed in American college football.

The University of Minnesota unveiled its own version of Norway's viral Viking Row at its season opener, with students performing the synchronized rowing motion that captivated millions during the 2026 World Cup. Former linebacker Kamal Martin led the chant before kickoff at Huntington Bank Stadium.

The timing couldn't be more perfect. Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck has used "Row the Boat" as his program's motto for years, making the Norwegian tradition a natural fit for the Gophers.

The Viking Row started as a simple idea from Ole Frøystad, a Norwegian primary school teacher who wanted to create something special for his country's first World Cup appearance in 28 years. He took inspiration from the Norwegian word "ro" (meaning "row") and imagined fans pulling imaginary oars like Vikings landing before battle.

Frøystad worked with supporter group Oljeberget to refine the chant in March. They created instructional videos, shared them on social media, and tested the concept before Norway's final pre-tournament friendly.

What happened next surprised everyone. Entire stadium sections started rowing in unison, shouting "Ro!" in perfect rhythm. Norway's captain Martin Ødegaard led the chant from the field after matches, and star striker Erling Haaland called it "bigger than football."

Then the rowing escaped the stadiums entirely. Over 500 Norwegian supporters gathered in Times Square to perform the chant, turning the busy intersection into a temporary Viking ship. Videos followed from subway cars, airport terminals, fighter jets, and even inside the Norwegian parliament.

The Ripple Effect

The Viking Row became bigger than Norway itself. Fans from other countries started copying it, joining Norwegian supporters in American cities and stadiums. Mexico supporters created their own version, and crowds wearing different team colors joined the motion.

Norway's unlikely run matched the chant's magic. The team beat Côte d'Ivoire and stunned Brazil 2-1 before falling to England in the quarterfinals. Before this tournament, Norway had never won a World Cup knockout match.

Even after Norway's elimination, the rowing continued. When Spain beat Argentina in the final, celebrating fans in Madrid broke into the Viking Row. A tradition created for one nation's team had become part of the champion's victory party.

Now it's found a permanent home in Minnesota, where rowing was already part of the culture. The chant may have started in Norwegian stadiums, but it proved something simple and joyful can unite people anywhere.