Ahead of the match against Ivory Coast, the Norwegian Embassy in Kathmandu shared a video on social media featuring the iconic Viking Roar. To support Norway’s return to the World Cup after 28 years, fans have launched a unique cultural campaign called the ‘Viking Roar.’ Norwegian parliamentarians have actively participated in this national pride campaign by performing the Viking Roar during parliamentary sessions to encourage their players.
The initiative was conceived by primary school teacher Ole Froystad and has since expanded beyond the football pitch to influence daily life across America and Europe. In New York’s Times Square, large crowds gathered—far from chaotic, people dressed in red jerseys sat on steps. Suddenly, a loud horn sounded, followed by a person wearing a Viking-style lion hat beating a drum rhythmically.
The scene became thrilling for many as everyone sat on the ground, imaginatively simulating rowing a boat while shouting in unison – Ro! Ro!! Ro!!! This was neither a film shoot nor a religious ceremony, but the Viking Roar performed by supporters to amplify excitement for Norway’s team, returning to the World Cup stage after nearly three decades.
Since then, Norway’s team has been greeted with the Viking Roar after every victory, and the phenomenon has extended beyond stadiums. Fans gather to perform the roar at events or in public spaces. Remarkably, on June 22, members of the Norwegian parliament paused their session to participate in the Viking Roar, demonstrating national enthusiasm. The session was led by Speaker Masud Gharakhani, aiming to boost morale after Norway reached the World Cup.
Similarly, before the Round of 32 match against Ivory Coast, the Norwegian Embassy in Kathmandu posted a video of the Viking Roar on social media. Prior to the tournament, Norway had announced this as part of a cultural initiative called the ‘Viking Campaign.’ Today, this campaign is spreading like a cultural wave not just in stadiums across the US, Mexico, and Canada, but also on social media platforms and city streets.
