Minnesota Gophers adopt Norway's Viking Row celebration after World Cup debut captures fans

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are bringing a piece of the 2026 World Cup to college football, announcing via X that Norway’s Viking Row celebration will become a fixture at their home games this season.

The Viking Row first gained widespread attention during Norway’s historic run at the 2026 World Cup, where the nation made their first-ever quarterfinal appearance before a 3-2 defeat to England. After each victory, Norway’s players gathered in front of supporters and, cued by two drum beats, led fans in a synchronised rowing motion — a tradition rooted in Norse culture that quickly became one of the tournament’s defining images. Erling Haaland, who scored seven goals in five matches, was among the players leading the celebration.

For Minnesota, the adoption is more than a borrowed trend. The state is home to the largest population of Norwegian-Americans in the United States, estimated at between 750,000 and 812,000 residents. The tradition also carries an obvious resonance with the state’s NFL franchise, the Minnesota Vikings.

The Gophers head into the season under coach PJ Fleck, now in his tenth year at the helm, looking to improve on a 7-5 record in 2025. Fleck holds a 66-44 overall record with Minnesota and an unblemished 7-0 mark in bowl games. The team returns starting quarterback Drake Lindsey, who threw for 2,382 yards and accounted for 22 total touchdowns last season, alongside running back Darius Taylor, who rushed for 671 yards and four touchdowns.

Minnesota’s 2026 schedule includes road trips to Penn State and reigning champions Indiana, as well as a home fixture against Mississippi State in week two. The Gophers open their season on Thursday, 3 September at home against Akron, where the Viking Row is set to make its college football debut.