Norway’s players embrace Viking theme ahead of World Cup opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 12:02 AM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Norway's men's national soccer team prepares for its first World Cup in 28 years with a Viking-themed campaign. Players, including Erling Haaland, posed in authentic Viking attire for promotional photos ahead of their opening match against Iraq. The team's fans have also engaged in a synchronized 'Viking row' during matches, aiming to create a memorable atmosphere. This creative approach has sparked excitement while also prompting debate over its implications, with some critics labeling the imagery as chauvinistic. Norway manager Stale Solbakken expressed indifference to the criticism, focusing on the team's preparations for the tournament.
- •Norway's first World Cup in 28 years takes place in Foxborough.
- •Team includes stars Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard.
- •Fans perform a synchronized 'Viking row' to rally support.
- •Critics label Viking-themed imagery as controversial and chauvinistic.
- •First match against Iraq slated to showcase the Viking theme.
- 4:12 PMYahoo Sports — See Norway's epic viking team photos that have 2026 World Cup buzzing
- 12:02 AMYahoo Sports — Norway embraces Viking theme for World Cup return and provokes some debate
"First it was their fans performing a synchronized “Viking row” in the stands at matches. Then it was their players donning authentic Viking attire, complete with weapons, shields and long boats, to the backdrop of a fjord for a moody, dramatic photo shoot. “A dream 28 years in the making... let’s do this!” Norway star Erling Haaland wrote on the X platform Monday, reposting the photo of the team along with one of his father, Alfie Haaland, competing for the national team in the 1994 World Cup.
"Norway returns to the World Cup for the first time in almost 30 years against Iraq on June 16, but a viking-themed team photo has already made waves.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 4:12 PMSee Norway's epic viking team photos that have 2026 World Cup buzzing
Norway returns to the World Cup for the first time in almost 30 years against Iraq on June 16, but a viking-themed team photo has already made waves.
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 12:02 AMNorway embraces Viking theme for World Cup return and provokes some debate
First it was their fans performing a synchronized “Viking row” in the stands at matches. Then it was their players donning authentic Viking attire, complete with weapons, shields and long boats, to the backdrop of a fjord for a moody, dramatic photo shoot. “A dream 28 years in the making... let’s do this!” Norway star Erling Haaland wrote on the X platform Monday, reposting the photo of the team along with one of his father, Alfie Haaland, competing for the national team in the 1994 World Cup.
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