What Kind of Finger Did Haaland Show During the Viking Row Celebration?

Erling Haaland has once again found himself at the centre of a social media storm, this time not just for his goals, but for a moment captured during Norway's now-iconic Viking row finger celebration. The Manchester City striker was spotted raising his index finger, the classic "number one" gesture, during the finger in Viking row celebration, a moment that perfectly encapsulated Norway's belief that they can go all the way at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What Is the Viking Row Celebration?

The Norway national team celebration has become the defining fan ritual of the 2026 World Cup. Created by Norwegian superfan Ole Frøystad, the Viking Row symbolizes a Viking crew rowing into battle; players and fans sit shoulder to shoulder, moving their arms back and forth to the beat of a drum while shouting "ro," the Norwegian word for "row." It was created to give Norway's supporters a more distinctive identity at major tournaments, and has been seen in stadiums, city squares, trains and streets, as well as back home in Norway.

How Did Haaland Get Involved?

Haaland told Fox Sports he saw it online and it had gone completely viral, adding that Martin Ødegaard asked him before the Senegal game whether they should join in, and he said yes if they won. The striker has since been one of the celebration's most enthusiastic participants. After Norway's Round of 32 win over Ivory Coast, Ødegaard gathered his team in jubilation, and with each smack of the drum, thousands of Norway fans and players sitting on the pitch yelled "row" as they motioned their arms like they were rowing a boat.

Norway's Unstoppable Run

The Viking row finger celebration moment comes amid a breathtaking tournament for Norway. Goals from Erling Haaland and Antonio Nusa sealed a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, sending Norway into the Round of 16 for the first time since 1998. Haaland's raised index finger during the Norway national team celebration was a pointed message: Norway believes they are the number one team in this tournament, and with the striker netting in every competitive game since October 2024, it is hard to argue.
The celebration has even reached beyond football, with Norway's parliamentarians performing the Viking Row inside their chamber to show support for the national team. Norway now face Brazil in the Round of 16 on July 5 in New Jersey.