The wonders of Norway FIFA World Cup run has now reached beyond football and into the digital world, where Google joined the celebration of “Viking Row” where player Erling Haaland encouraged fans to search for his name online on the show’s website.Ahead of Norway’s quarter-final against England, Haaland went to X with a simple but impressive message.“One thing to do today … search my name on Google,” Haaland said.Fans who followed his advice were greeted with hidden Google videos celebrating Norway’s “Viking Row” tradition that has become one of the most iconic images of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Google embraces Viking Row practices
Searching for Haaland’s name brings up a picture of the party on the Google search page. The click unleashes Vikings in horned helmets and Norwegian flags, rowing in unison to loud drumming and crowd chants of “Ro!” listen through the animation.Repeated clicks bring out more supporters, reviving the celebrations that swept the forums and social media for the Norwegian legend’s campaign.“Viking Row” sees thousands of fans emulating the Viking longboat after the win, with Haaland, captain Martin Ødegaard and the rest of Norway joining the fans in the post-match ceremony.The festival has become one of the most popular events in the competition, immortalizing Google with its Easter egg.
Haaland World Cup goes beyond football
The Google tribute is the latest sign of Haaland’s growth beyond the pitch.Earlier this week, the Manchester City player surprised his fans by reviving his long-forgotten rap career, releasing his viral 2016 single “Kygo jo” alongside Norwegian DJ Kygo.Before becoming one of the world’s top scorers, Haaland briefly formed the rap group Flow Kingz with fellow youth players Erik Bothheim and Erik Tobias Sandberg while playing for Bryne in Norway.The original track was also popularized during Norway’s World Cup campaign, prompting Kygo to release a remix after Haaland’s strike inspired Brazil’s stunning 2-1 Round-of-16 victory.Sharing the remix on Instagram, Haaland joked: “Make a moment! Thanks, @kygomusic. Does this mean I’m an artist now?”
England then in the fairy tale game in Norway
Haaland has been one of the tournament’s top scorers, scoring seven goals, just one behind Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappe for the Golden Boot.His tally also equals the most goals scored by a player in a World Cup since Poland’s Grzegorz Lato scored seven in 1974.Norway’s shock victory against five-time champions Brazil secured the country’s place in the World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face England in Miami.As the prospect approaches the blockbuster clash, Haaland has ensured that Norway dominates the headlines at home and abroad.
