On Thursday, the Stortinget in Oslo became an unlikely stage for a display of national sporting fervour. Norway's parliamentarians, led by Speaker Masud Gharahkhani, performed the viral "Viking row" inside the chamber to show support for the national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Gharahkhani used his gavel to set the rhythm as all MPs rowed in unison, briefly turning the legislative session into a spectacle. After the performance, the politicians applauded themselves, a moment that underscored how deeply the Viking row craze has penetrated Norwegian society.
From Fan Zones to the Chamber
The synchronised rowing motion, inspired by rowers on Viking longships, has become one of the tournament's most recognisable fan traditions. Its popularity exploded after Norwegian supporters were filmed performing the row in public spaces across the United States, including on city streets, in fan zones, and even while riding up an escalator. The parliament's participation only highlighted how the craze has spread beyond stadiums, reflecting Norway's wider embrace of Viking imagery as a symbol of national pride, unity, and support for the team.
Norway's men's team secured a 4-1 victory over Iraq in their opening Group I match on Tuesday and will next face Senegal. The team's return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence—their first appearance in the men's tournament since 1998—has galvanised the country.
Before departing for the tournament, the squad posed for a photoshoot by British photographer David Yarrow, titled "The Vikings Are Coming." Rather than the customary team photo on aeroplane steps, the players dressed in Viking-inspired attire, reinforcing the theme that has now reached the halls of parliament.
The Viking row is not the only recent instance of Nordic parliamentary creativity. In Switzerland, the Bundesversammlung reversed its nuclear ban, setting the stage for a referendum, while Finland's Eduskunta voted to end its nuclear weapons ban, aligning with NATO policy. These moves show how parliaments across the continent are engaging with national identity and security in distinct ways.
Norway's royal family has also been in the news recently: Crown Princess Mette-Marit recovered after a successful lung transplant, and Crown Prince Haakon reduced his duties to support her during her illness. These personal stories, alongside the World Cup excitement, paint a picture of a nation balancing tradition, modernity, and resilience.
The Viking row in the Stortinget may have been a light-hearted moment, but it also reflects a deeper cultural phenomenon. For a country that has long used Viking imagery in tourism and branding, the World Cup has provided a new platform to project national identity on a global stage. Whether this enthusiasm will translate into on-field success remains to be seen, but for now, Norway's parliament has shown that even politics can pause for a moment of collective sporting joy.
