BOSTON June 16, 2026 — In a viral display of creativity and high spirits, Norwegian supporters at the 2026 FIFA World Cup transformed an escalator at TD Garden into an impromptu rowing vessel on Tuesday, mimicking synchronized “Viking row” motions while riding up the moving stairs.
The video, shared widely by Barstool Sports, shows dozens of fans dressed in Norway’s red, white, and blue colors—many sporting traditional Viking-inspired hats and flags—coordinatedly pulling imaginary oars in unison. The escalator’s LED lights cycle through vibrant blues, reds, and greens, adding to the festive atmosphere as the group ascends.
Norway is making its return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, and fans have leaned heavily into their country’s Viking heritage. The “rowing” chant and synchronized arm movements have become a signature celebration, performed in stadiums and public spaces alike during the U.S.-hosted tournament.
The stunt, captured near TD Garden in Boston, quickly drew laughs and praise online. Barstool Sports captioned the clip: “You see an escalator at the Boston Garden, Norwegians see the opportunity to get in some rowing reps.”
Reactions poured in, with users celebrating the international flair: “These Norwegian fans at the World Cup are pretty awesome,” one follow-up post noted. Others highlighted the positive energy, with comments like “I think I’m going to like the Norwegians almost as much as I like the Scottish” and calls for the World Cup to visit the U.S. more often for its lively fan culture.
While most applauded the harmless fun, a few voiced safety concerns about clothing potentially getting caught in the mechanism. The group continued their enthusiastic ride without incident, embodying the joyful chaos that has defined the early days of the 2026 tournament.
Norway faces Iraq in their Group I opener at Gillette Stadium in nearby Foxborough, and fans are expected to bring the same Viking energy to the stands. The synchronized rowing routine has already gone viral in previous warm-up matches, turning venues into floating longboats.
As the World Cup unfolds across American cities, moments like this underscore how visiting supporters are enhancing the atmosphere and turning everyday spaces into stages for celebration.
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