Norway’s remarkable FIFA World Cup run has now reached beyond football and into the digital world, with Google joining the viral ‘Viking Row’ celebration craze as superstar Erling Haaland encouraged fans to search his name online in a cheeky social media post.Ahead of Norway’s historic quarter-final against England, Haaland took to X with a simple but intriguing message.“One thing to do today… search my name on Google,” Haaland wrote.Fans who followed his advice were greeted by a hidden Google animation celebrating Norway’s now-iconic ‘Viking Row’ tradition that has become one of the defining images of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Google embraces the Viking Row trend
Searching for Haaland’s name triggers a party-popper icon on the Google search page. Clicking it unleashes animated Viking-themed characters wearing horned helmets and Norwegian flags, rowing in unison while the unmistakable drumbeat and the crowd’s booming chant of “Ro!” echo through the animation.Repeated clicks produce more animated supporters, recreating the synchronized celebration that has swept stadiums and social media during Norway’s fairytale campaign.The ‘Viking Row’ sees thousands of supporters imitate rowing a Viking longboat after victories, with Haaland, captain Martin Ødegaard and the rest of the Norwegian squad regularly joining the fans in the post-match ritual.The celebration has rapidly become one of the tournament’s most recognisable traditions, prompting Google to immortalise it with its own interactive Easter egg.
Haaland’s World Cup extends beyond football
Google’s tribute is the latest sign of Haaland’s growing influence beyond the pitch.Earlier this week, the Manchester City striker surprised supporters by reviving his long-forgotten rap career, releasing a remix of his viral 2016 song “Kygo jo” alongside Norwegian DJ Kygo.Before becoming one of world football’s deadliest strikers, Haaland briefly formed the rap trio Flow Kingz with youth teammates Erik Botheim and Erik Tobias Sandberg while playing for Bryne in Norway.The original track has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence during Norway’s World Cup campaign, prompting Kygo to release a remix after Haaland’s brace inspired a stunning 2-1 Round-of-16 victory over Brazil.Sharing the remix on Instagram, Haaland joked: “Made it moment! Thanks, @kygomusic. Does this mean I’m officially an artist now?”
England next in Norway’s fairytale run
Haaland has been one of the stars of the tournament, scoring seven goals, just one behind Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race.His tally also equals the most goals scored by a player in his debut World Cup since Poland’s Grzegorz Lato netted seven in 1974.Norway’s stunning victory over five-time champions Brazil secured the nation’s first-ever World Cup quarter-final, where they will face England in Miami.As anticipation builds for the blockbuster clash, Haaland has ensured Norway are dominating headlines both on and off the pitch.
