Norwegian excellence fifa world cup Now running has transcended football and entered the digital world, with Google joining in on the viral ‘Viking Walk’ celebrations and superstar Erling Haaland encouraging fans to search his name online in a cheeky social media post.Ahead of Norway’s historic quarter-final against England, Haaland had a simple but interesting message for X.“One thing to do today…search my name on Google,” Haaland wrote.Fans who follow his advice will see a hidden Google animation celebrating Norway’s now-iconic “Viking Street” tradition, which has become one of the iconic images of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Google embraces Viking Row trend
Searching for Haaland’s name triggers a party pop-up icon on Google’s search page. Clicking on it unleashes an animated Viking-themed character wearing a horned helmet and draped in a Norwegian flag, rowing in unison to the unmistakable beat of drums and the crowd chanting “Ro!” Echoes through animation.Repeat clicks generate more active supporters, recreating the synchronized celebrations that swept stadiums and social media during Norway’s fairytale campaign.In Viking Row, thousands of supporters imitate rowing a Viking longboat after victory, with Haaland, captain Martin Odegaard and other members of the Norwegian team regularly attending post-match ceremonies with fans.The celebration quickly became one of the tournament’s most well-known traditions, prompting Google to immortalize it with its own interactive Easter egg.
Haaland’s World Cup transcends football
Google’s tribute is the latest sign of Haaland’s growing influence off the pitch.The Manchester City forward surprised supporters earlier this week when he revived his long-forgotten rap career by releasing a remix of his 2016 hit “Kygo jo” with Norwegian DJ Kygo.Before becoming one of the most lethal strikers in world football, Haaland briefly formed rap trio Flow Kingz with youth team-mates Erik Botheim and Erik Tobias Sandberg while playing for Bryan in Norway.The original song enjoyed a resurgence during the World Cup in Norway, with Kygo releasing a remix after Haaland’s brace helped the team beat Brazil 2-1 in the last 16.Harland shared the remix on Instagram, joking: “It worked! Thanks @kygomusic. Does this mean I’m officially an artist now?”
England is next in the Norwegian fairy tale
Haaland is one of the stars of this World Cup, scoring 7 goals, and is only one goal behind Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France player Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.He also equaled the number of goals scored by a player in his first World Cup since Poland’s Grzegorz Lato scored seven in 1974.Norway’s shock victory over five-time champions Brazil ensured the country’s first-ever World Cup quarter-finals appearance, where they will face England in Miami.As anticipation builds for the blockbuster clash, Haaland ensures the Norwegian side dominate the headlines both on and off the pitch.
