“ROW, ROW, ROW.” That chant has become the sound of the 2026 World Cup, because of the Norwegian Viking Row.
There have been some iconic fans in North America over the last few weeks, but the Norwegians take the crown.
SunSport went to a pub filled with Norway fans during the World Cup match with England Credit: SUNSPORT
Norway fans brought the World Cup feel with the Viking Row Credit: SUNSPORT
And I had to experience it for myself. So I made my way to The Kenton pub in Hackney to watch with 300 Norwegians.
And 45 minutes before kick-off there was a customary Viking Row. The entire pub was moving in unison, and I knew it would be a lively night.
Pre-game I spoke to the owner, Egil, who had two reasons to be desperate for a win.
He said: “Not only am I Norwegian, but if we win then business for me is much better.”
Surprisingly, among the sea of Norwegians, I actually bumped into a few fans.
I spoke to one, Jacob, and asked if he would celebrate if England scored. He smiled, “I don’t think I’ll be able to help myself.”
Suffice to say he was indeed elated when scored the equaliser…
I was, though, wondering why any England fan would choose to be in enemy territory. For me, it was a work assignment. I spoke to another fan, Ben, who said, “I needed somewhere to watch the game and got lost!”
The atmosphere was brilliant, though. And it reached fever pitch when Andreas Schjelderup to make it 1-0 for Norway.
The whole pub was on its feet celebrating, then the ITV cameras cut to David Beckham. One woman muttered, “Have that.”
The second half was slow, the highlight from a Norwegian perspective being Torbjorn Heggem’s ruled out goal.
It was chalked off because was judged to have , and when referee Clement Turpin announced his decision to the stadium, one fan yelled, “F*** you,” to a chorus of laughs.
The game went to extra time, poised at 1-1, but Bellingham quickly gave England the lead .
When he was taken off in the 111th minute, a woman named Emilie turned to me and said, “He’s very good. I don’t like him, but he’s very good.”
I noted half a dozen Norwegians were actually applauding Bellingham as he departed the pitch.
Some Norway fans applauded Jude Bellingham despite his two goals against them Credit: SUNSPORT
SunSport enjoyed a pub visit to remember Credit: SUNSPORT
Perhaps that summed up the night. The Viking Row had reached the end of the road.
Bellingham and England have not.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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