The "Viking rowing" celebration, initiated by the Norwegian team and fans during the FIFA 2026 World Cup, has become one of the tournament's most iconic moments. From Times Square and escalators to stadiums across the United States, Norwegian fans sat on the ground, synchronously moving their arms in rowing motions, joined by national team players such as Haaland.

However, according to Norwegian media outlet Aftenposten, this celebration, widely regarded as a Norwegian tradition, may actually have been popular in Sweden much earlier.

The report indicates that since at least 2009, large crowds have frequently performed collective Viking rowing at concerts by Swedish metal band Amon Amarth. The band's official social media also posted a video from 2023 showing fans at a Glasgow stadium collectively sitting and performing synchronized "rowing" motions.

Aftenposten wrote: "Long before this rowing movement appeared on football terraces, it was already a staple of metal music culture, particularly popularized by this Swedish band."

Norwegian comedian Morten Ramm also posted a video on social media of Amon Amarth fans collectively rowing, jokingly suggesting that Norwegian fans should at least listen to the band to help boost their royalty earnings.

The Norwegian national team and its official fan organization Oljeberget have not responded to this.

From a historical perspective, Vikings were not exclusive to modern-day Norway. According to Britannica, Vikings were seafarers from across Scandinavia who engaged in raids, trade, and colonization throughout various parts of Europe between the 9th and 11th centuries. Therefore, the question of whether Norwegian or Swedish culture has a greater claim to Viking heritage has sparked banter and debate between media outlets in both countries.

Swedish writer and media personality Alex Schulman disapproves of the Norwegian team's celebration. In a column for Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter, he wrote that if Swedish players performed similar movements, he would be "mortified," but Norwegian players and fans seem to be enjoying this collective rowing imitation.

Björkman, a commentator for Swedish newspaper Dagens Industri, jokingly called on Swedes to "reclaim" the celebration, arguing that historical records suggest Vikings in modern-day Sweden may have rowed more frequently than those in Norway.

However, Amon Amarth frontman Johan Hegg expressed support for the Norwegian fans' actions. He shared that his grandfather was from Norway and said: "I'm especially proud that Norwegians are bringing this rowing tradition to the World Cup. We absolutely love it."

Переведено ИИ.

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