Norway fans paint Times Square red with massive 'Viking Row'
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- Hundreds of Norwegian fans filled Times Square ahead of the Senegal match.
- Supporters staged a large “Viking row” display in Manhattan.
- Norway enters the game after a 4-1 win over Iraq.
- Erling Haaland scored twice in the opening victory.
The electric atmosphere of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has firmly gripped New York City.
In the early hours of Monday evening, hundreds of traveling Norwegian football supporters completely flooded Times Square, converting the iconic commercial crossroads into a sea of red, white, and blue jerseys on the eve of their crucial Group I match against Senegal.
Stunned onlookers, locals, and international tourists stopped in their tracks as the rowdy Scandinavian contingent sat down in unison on the asphalt.
Performing their legendary, coordinated "Viking row," the fans chanted in rhythmic harmony, sending echoing waves through the skyscrapers of Manhattan and creating one of the most viral fan moments of the tournament so far.
The overwhelming confidence displayed by the traveling supporters is well-justified. Making their long-awaited return to football's ultimate global stage after a 28-year absence, Norway kicked off their World Cup campaign in spectacular fashion, dominating Iraq in a 4-1 victory at Boston Stadium.
The opening fixture saw Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland immediately announce himself to the tournament, slicing through the Iraqi defense to bag a brilliant first-half brace.
Genoa defender Leo Østigård also added a towering header, while an unfortunate late own goal sealed the commanding four-goal victory for the Vikings, instantly placing them at the apex of the Group I table on goal difference.
The party in Times Square serves as a prelude to a high-stakes tactical chess match on Monday night at MetLife Stadium.
A victory for Ståle Solbakken's star-studded squad -captained by Arsenal's midfield maestro Martin Ødegaard- would effectively punch Norway’s ticket into the coveted Round of 32 with a game to spare.
Conversely, their opponents face a strict do-or-die scenario. Senegal, the African powerhouses, are entering the fixture completely starved for points after dropping a grueling 3-1 opening-round battle against Didier Deschamps' France.
With the Lions of Teranga expected to field a highly aggressive 4-2-3-1 setup to stifle service to Haaland, the stage in East Rutherford is set for an absolute classic.
If the energy on the streets of New York is any indication, the Norwegian national team will essentially be playing in front of a raucous home crowd.
