Why Norway's Viking Row World Cup celebration is annoying their Nordic neighbours

Why Norway's Viking Row World Cup celebration is annoying their Nordic neighbours explains how Norway’s “Viking row” has become a source of irritation across Scandinavia. After Norway’s 3-2 victory over Senegal, captain Martin Odegaard and others adopted the synchronized rowing gesture, which quickly spread among fans and even drew attempts to involve the King of Norway. Swedish defender Gustaf Lagerbielke said he would not perform it, arguing it feels overused and likening it to the Icelandic “thunderclap” that appeared in previous tournaments. Swedish teammate Elliot Stroud added that although the celebration works for Norway, it is starting to be done too often. Denmark’s reaction is described as sharper, with Danish journalist Johnny Wojciech Kokborg writing in B.T. calling the display close to “adult bullying.” The article frames the moment as a regional rivalry marker, not just a party tradition.