Two of the most recognisable fan traditions at FIFA World Cup 2026 have found an unlikely home together — in the stands of Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and on the streets of New York City.

Norway supporters have made the Viking Row one of the tournament's defining images. Thousands of fans synchronise a rhythmic rowing motion, leaning forward and pulling back an imaginary oar in time with drumbeats, chanting "Ro!" — Norwegian for "row" — in unison. The effect is both hypnotic and joyful: a sea of people moving as one, as if steering a Viking longship toward glory.

The man behind the row

The chant was created by Ole Frøystad, widely known as Mr Row Row, who has watched his idea travel far beyond any football stadium. The Viking Row has spread to Norwegian schools, public parks, the parliament building, and even Times Square.

"It's so fun to see people coming together and rowing, and that it's creating unity. It's doing a lot more than what I could have ever imagined. It's just crazy," Frøystad said.

For Frøystad, one moment stood above all others. "Hearing the row echo through the streets of New York, it was crazy. One of the [craziest] moments in my life. The second one was [in the match] against Senegal when the Norwegian national team sat down and did the row in sync with the fans. I almost started crying — it was amazing."

He is also clear about the chant's purpose. "It is for the team. They need the row, they need our cheering, they need our chants throughout the whole game. So, it doesn't matter if we're winning or losing, we're going to back them with all the chants."

France's answer in the stands

France supporters have their own rhythmic tradition — a sharp, syncopated clapping chant that has rung out at matches and city squares throughout the tournament. Hervé Mougin, president of Les Irrésistibles Français, the largest supporters' association for the French national football teams, explained its origins.

"Many people think we took inspiration from the Iceland fans, whose chant became famous during EURO 2016 in France, but that's not true," Mougin said. "Many French clubs were using it long before then. That's where we got it from — it epitomises the French style of support perfectly, so we use it to support our team."

Mougin also offered warm words for Norway's tradition. "That sense of being part of a group and that togetherness are really interesting. It's wonderful to see. I can only applaud it."

A moment of unity before kick-off

Shortly before France and Norway took to the pitch on 26 June, the two fanbases exchanged their chants in a call-and-response moment that delighted more than 60,000 spectators. Norway rowed; France clapped back. No referee, no scoreboard, no winner.

"Relations between supporters from different countries are very good these days. We may not wear the same shirt, but we share the same love of the game," Mougin said. "There's competition on the pitch, but it doesn't carry over to the stands. Everyone focuses on supporting their own team. The objective isn't to outdo anyone; it's to be the 12th man."

On the pitch, France claimed a 4-1 victory to finish top of Group I. But in the stands, the result was a draw — two traditions, one shared passion for football.