FIFA World Cup 2026: "Here come the... Vikings", Haaland fires up Norway ahead of quarterfinal clash against England
Florida, July 11
Norway and Manchester City star striker Erling Haaland sent a message to fans ahead of his side's FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal against England, invoking the country's Viking heritage as they prepare for one of the biggest matches in their football history.
Notably, the 'Viking Row' is a popular celebration in which fans imitate the synchronised rowing of a traditional Viking ship. It represents unity, strength, and a collective fighting spirit. Much like the Vikings of history who rowed together before heading into battle, modern Norwegian supporters perform the gesture in unison to express team spirit and back their football side.
Earlier, Haaland offered his fans a glimpse of the training session ahead of the team's FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash against England, through a post on social media.
In an X post, Haaland posted multiple pictures of himself training ahead of the crucial clash on Saturday (local time).
"Quarter-final prep," Haaland wrote in the caption.
During the match against Brazil, Haaland's tally went to seven goals after a brace, making him the player with the joint-most goals in his debut World Cup since Poland's Grzegorz Lato scored seven in 1974.
Norway booked their place in the quarter-finals after stunning five-time world champions Brazil with a 2-1 victory in the Round of 16, one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
England, on the other hand, head into the quarter-final on the back of one of their most memorable away victories, with Jude Bellingham's brace inspiring a dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico at the Azteca despite being reduced to 10 men.
History, however, slightly favours Norway, with England managing just two wins in their last seven meetings. The Three Lions' struggles date back to a memorable 2-1 defeat in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in 1981.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Viking Row celebration is so unique and gives me chills—it's not just football, it's about identity and heritage. I'd love to see Norway pull off another upset. But England's comeback against Mexico was epic too, Bellingham is clutch. Quarterfinal will be a cracker! 🇳🇴🏴
I've been following Norway since they qualified, and honestly, their team cohesion is something else. Haaland might be the star, but the whole squad defends like a unit. England has more individual talent, but Norway has the collective fire. History doesn't lie—Norway has the edge in recent meetings. Can't wait!
Respect to Haaland for his performance, but I feel England's depth and experience in knockout stages will finally show. Bellingham and Kane are in top form, and after that win against Mexico, the team's morale is sky-high. That said, Norway's Viking Row is pure class—wish more teams had such traditions. Let's see who rows harder! 😄
Norway has been the underdog story of the tournament, and I'm here for it! Haaland carrying the team like a true Viking warrior is something special. But I do think England's set-piece threat and physicality might be too much. Hoping for a thriller, though! Football is truly bringing the world together. 🌍⚽
As much as I admire Haaland and the Norse spirit, I think England will win this comfortably. Norway beating
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